AFL Barwon is delighted to welcome Brazilian Butterfly as a naming rights partner for the 2025–26 seasons, supporting key female football and netball competitions and awards across the region.

As part of this exciting partnership, Brazilian Butterfly will hold naming rights for:

• The 13 & Under Division 1 GFNL Netball Competition
• The 15 & Under Division 2 GFNL Netball Competition
• The Senior Female Football Coaches Team of the Year Award

As part of this partnership, Brazilian Butterfly will actively support the recognition of female athletes by offering Player of the Week vouchers to football and netball clubs throughout the season. This initiative aims to celebrate exceptional individual performances across all levels of competitions.

To enhance the Grand Final experience for players and supporters, Brazilian Butterfly will also deliver a dedicated "Pamper Zone" activation at the Female Football, Bellarine FNL, and Geelong FNL Grand Finals. These activations will add a fun and refreshing touch to the biggest days of the year. 

“We’re pleased to welcome Brazilian Butterfly as a valued partner of AFL Barwon. Their support reflects a shared commitment to celebrating female participation across football and netball. Partnering with a local business that is genuinely passionate about supporting women and girls in sport is an exciting step forward as we continue to advocate for female participation throughout the Barwon region" said AFL Barwon Region General Manager, Lisa Patterson.

“For many years, we’ve proudly supported our local football, netball, and cricket clubs. Now, we’re super excited to be part of AFL Barwon, supporting all football and netball clubs across the region!” said Lauren Kinsella of Brazilian Butterfly Geelong West.

“Brazilian Butterfly Geelong West is a passionate supporter of girls’ and women’s sports, and we can’t wait for the season ahead. Bring it on!”

AFL Barwon is excited to partner with Brazilian Butterfly in celebrating, empowering, and supporting female athletes across the region. We thank them for their ongoing commitment to community sport and look forward to the positive impact this partnership will bring over the next two seasons.

What began as a simple journey with a motorbike and a football has grown into a heartfelt mission — one that spreads connection, pride, and support across remote and rural Australia.

Bourkey’s Bootride started without a plan. Paul “Bourkey” Bourke, seeking to clear his head, set off across the country on his motorcycle, footy in hand, kicking it at ovals along the way. In those quiet moments, Paul noticed something that stayed with him: kids having a crack at footy — often barefoot.

Moved by what he saw, Paul began collecting and delivering brand-new football boots to young people in need. The movement hasn’t stopped since.

Paul’s story is deeply woven into the ride. Growing up as one of nine children in a family doing it tough, he knows what it’s like to wear hand-me-down boots from an older sibling. For him, Bourkey’s Bootride is about more than just the boots — it’s about pride, community, and the spark of hope that comes from owning something brand new, just for you.

“It’s not about charity,” Paul says. “It’s about giving a hand to people having a crack. There’s nothing like seeing the smile when someone laces up their very own new boots for the first time. That’s why I ride.”

Whether it’s a kid in the outback or a young adult trying to stay on track, Bourkey’s Bootride delivers more than footwear. It delivers connection, kindness, and a powerful reminder that someone believes in you.

This year’s ride will begin on Friday, June 13 at the Geelong West Giants Stadium, with local motorbike riders and AFL legend and Larrakia man Mathew Stokes sending Paul off on a 9-day journey to Kalkarindji via Katherine. Along the way, Paul will hand-deliver boots to remote communities doing it tough.

To date, Bourkey’s Bootride has raised over $20,000 in support of the cause. Supporters can donate and follow the journey at the GoFundMe page — Bourkey’s Bootride.

AFL Barwon is proud to launch its 2025 Inclusion Round, held from 10 to 15 June, in partnership with Inclusion Partner, Leisure Networks.

The round highlights both organisations ongoing commitment to creating a safe, inclusive, and welcoming sporting environment for all individuals, regardless of their ability, background, gender, culture, or identity. Across the Barwon region, this week will recognise and celebrate the vital role that diversity plays in strengthening clubs, competitions, and the wider community.

To promote visibility and unity, all players and umpires participating in football and netball matches will wear yellow armbands featuring the message “Together for Inclusion.” This visible gesture reflects the region-wide commitment to inclusion across all levels of football and netball.

This year, Pride celebrations will also form a key part of Inclusion Round, promoting visibility, acceptance, and safety for all individuals in our football and netball communities.

"Inclusion Round is a powerful reminder of what community sport is truly about belonging, connection, and respect," said Lisa Patterson, AFL Barwon Region General Manager.

“With the valued support of Leisure Networks, we are continuing to build more inclusive, connected, and vibrant club environments. Whether through All Abilities competitions or Pride-focused education and celebration, our goal is to ensure everyone feels welcome and empowered to be part of the game.”

"Inclusion doesn’t happen by chance — it takes action, intention and strong partnerships. Through our work with AFL Barwon, we’re supporting clubs to take meaningful steps toward building truly inclusive community environments where everyone feels seen, supported and celebrated. The Inclusion Round is a moment to reflect, but also a chance to keep moving forward together" – David Meade, Leisure Networks CEO.

AFL Barwon remains dedicated to supporting a sporting environment where every individual feels respected, included, and empowered to participate. In collaboration with our Official Inclusion Partner, Leisure Networks, we continue to grow our All-Abilities Football and Netball competitions and deliver meaningful pathways that enable people of all backgrounds, abilities, and identities to engage with community sport.

This Inclusion Round yellow armbands will reflect our commitment to a more inclusive game. It is a celebration of the individuals who strengthen our clubs through their diversity, resilience, and contribution.

AFL Barwon is thrilled to announce a new partnership with global sauce and condiments brand Lee Kum Kee for the 2025 season, with the launch of the Lee Kum Kee Community Initiative, a programme designed to support and empower local football and netball clubs across the region.

The initiative is centred around helping AFL Barwon-affiliated clubs deliver impactful projects that will improve their club environments and enhance community engagement. With a focus on long-term benefits, the programme aims to inject valuable support into the grassroots sporting community, where every small investment can make a big difference.

As part of the initiative, each AFL Barwon club will receive Lee Kum Kee products to participate in a creative and fun challenge: clubs are invited to produce a short-form video or reel (maximum 90 seconds), respectfully showcasing Lee Kum Kee products through creativity, entertainment, and community spirit.

Entries are to be posted on each club’s Instagram page, tagging @AFLBarwon and using the hashtag #LeeKumKee. The club with the most entertaining and product-associated video will take home a $4,000 prize to fund a club improvement project of their choice. This initiative not only supports creativity and fun across the AFL Barwon community, but also encourages clubs to think about ways they can continue to grow and better serve their players, members, and supporters.

Founded in 1888, Lee Kum Kee is a global leader in authentic Asian sauces and condiments. With a dedication to promoting Chinese culinary culture worldwide and connecting communities through food and culture, the brand embodies a rich tradition while embracing innovation. By bringing the essence of authentic Asian flavours to the forefront, Lee Kum Kee fosters connections that enrich culinary experiences and community spirit.

AFL Barwon Region General Manager, Lisa Patterson, welcomed the partnership and the opportunity it brings to the community.

“We’re incredibly excited to partner with Lee Kum Kee in 2025 to launch a programme that directly supports the growth and sustainability of our local clubs,” Patterson said. “The Lee Kum Kee Community Initiative is a fun and creative way for clubs to not only receive financial support, but to also engage their members and showcase the strong sense of community that exists within our region. We thank Lee Kum Kee for their generous support and look forward to seeing our clubs bring this initiative to life.”

Lee Kum Kee Business Development Director - Oceania, Gary Hui, expressed his excitement for the partnership, highlighting its alignment with the Lee Kum Kee’s core value and community focus.

“The Lee Kum Kee Community Initiative aligns with our core value of ‘Considering Others’ Interests’,” Hui said.  “We understand how deeply football is ingrained in the social and cultural fabric of the Barwon Southwest region, which is why we’re proud to partner with AFL Barwon on this initiative. We hope this prize helps a local club continue its vital role at the heart of the community."

This partnership brings together the power of sport and food to build stronger, more connected clubs throughout the region.

AFL Barwon is proud to be working alongside Lee Kum Kee in delivering meaningful support to our community clubs, and we can’t wait to see the creativity on display.

Read more about the Lee Kum Kee Community Initiative Here