A local Hobart coach has been named the AFL Community Coach of the Year (Male) in the TOYOTA AFL National Volunteer Awards.
This is the third consecutive year that a Tasmanian has taken out the national award.
Nathan Foale, the Director of Coaching North Hobart Junior Football Club, was announced as both the state and the national winner at a training session in New Town.
Nathan began his involvement with the North Hobart Junior Football Club (NHJFC), when his son Darcy started Auskick in 2018.
Since then, Nathan has been an active contributor to the club, coaching a range of age groups and is currently the Under 14 Boys coach.
He also umpires his daughter Katie’s Under 12 Girls games.
Nathan has been a member of the NHJFC Board since 2021 and has been the NHJFC Director of Coaching Development/Coaching Coordinator.
As a level 3 AFL Coach Nathan imparts his knowledge and experience onto the new coaches with the NHJFC, this year recruiting four new coaches for the NHJFC.
Nathan said everything he puts in is for the kids and the club.
“We just want to develop some good people, good kids – I love turning up to the footy club every day.
“As a club we’re building a safe and welcoming environment for the kids and I’m just one part of that, in an effort to get more kids into footy in Tassie.”
He said he was honoured to receive the award.
“It’s good recognition for the work that’s gone in, but what I get back from the boys and girls at the footy club far outweighs the time I put in.
“Watching them improve, grow as kids and the excitement of seeing them kick their first goal or take their first mark, it’s really enriching for me.”
AFL Tasmania Participation Growth Manager Chris Ryan said there’s no one more deserving of the award.
“Nathan always puts others before himself and as Director of Coaching, his impact reaches well beyond one team.
“He supports the coaches, sets the tone for a respectful, inclusive culture, and leads with integrity and heart.”
This year, Nathan was diagnosed with bowel cancer. While undergoing treatment, he never once stepped back from football. Showing up for every training and game, he has quietly carried the weight of illness while lifting the spirits of his players.
Ryan said his strength and dedication is a testament to his character.
“He never talks about his own struggle, he just shows up because he knows the kids need him, and that's who he is.
“He is the kind of coach every parent hopes for. He's shaped a generation of players who will carry his influence long after the siren sounds. He never asks for recognition, but it's in the way the boys support one another, play with integrity, and walk a little taller that you see his influence.”
Each year the AFL recognise volunteers and administrators for their outstanding contribution to Australian Football through the TOYOTA AFL National Volunteer Awards.
The awards, this year comprising 13 categories, recognise volunteers across Australia who have made outstanding contributions to community football. All NAB AFL Auskick centres, schools, community clubs and leagues in each state and territory were invited to participate, with more than 3,400 nominations received nationally.