AFL New Zealand will partner with Australian based football clubs to provide New Zealanders with the opportunity to further their football, education and workplace skills.
AFL within New Zealand continues to grow through a participation strategy that is well supported by a broadcast platform, providing growing awareness and interest in the sport.
This interest has been reciprocated by the Port Fairy Seagull Football and Netball Club who has identified talent within the AFL New Zealand Premiership and High Performance Programmes and wishes to support the further development and progression of the New Zealand talent pathway.
The Seagulls Club participates within the Hampden Football Netball League which is based in south west Victoria around the major city of Warrnambool. This is 250 km south west of Victoria’s capital, Melbourne.
The recent signing of former St Kilda Saints and Hawthorn Hawks AFL player, Shane Savage, to the Port Fairy Seagulls coaching staff, has been the catalyst behind the recently developed Scholarship programme.
Auckland born, Shane Savage is an eight time recipient of selection in the AFL New Zealand Heritage team and is committed to assisting New Zealanders who wish to further their AFL development.
Savage says, “There is more at stake here than just football development. Through the Seagulls Scholarship, we want to welcome Kiwi’s into our community and this includes meaningful work place and career opportunities. Australian Football brings the town together in Port Fairy and our main aim is to provide a quality experience for those who are lucky enough to be involved.”
With strong farming ties, the area already has historic ties with New Zealanders working within the rural community. Local business MM Hearn Constructions has indicated its support of the Seagulls Scholarship Programme and will play a role in the work place selection criteria. The scholarship programme will be accompanied by football criteria to be monitored by AFL New Zealand High Performance and Port Fairy coaching staff.
Whilst Covid-19 travel restrictions will be monitored, scholarship nominations and applications will commence shortly following the finalisation of selection criteria. Any persons taking up this opportunity must comply with the Seagull’s code of conduct and adhere to all club policies.
Those interested in nominating for the Seagulls Scholarship should apply here. Closing date May 13th 2020.
