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

AFL Victoria, in collaboration with WorkSafe Victoria, are proud to announce that all AFL Victoria affiliated country football and netball clubs are once again eligible to benefit from the WorkSafe Club Safety Fund in 2025.  

Country football clubs in Victoria can apply for financial assistance of up to $5,000 per application to assist with making essential safety upgrades and repairs to club facilities, to enhance safety for players, volunteers and spectators. 
 
WorkSafe has been proudly supporting country footy in Victoria since 2002, with the WorkSafe Club Safety Fund being a major component of that support and investment in rural and regional communities.  
 
Since 2002, more than 339 community clubs have received funding through the program to make necessary safety upgrades to club facilities, such as the installation of netting behind the goals, a portable marquee, building an enclosed timekeeper box, and upgrading the kitchen flooring in the clubhouse.  
 
All clubs applying for funding from the WorkSafe Club Safety Fund must provide evidence that a financial grant is needed to improve the safety of their grounds and surrounding buildings. 
 
Click here for full eligibility criteria.

Click here to apply for 2025.
 
Applications open on Monday, June 2 and will close on Wednesday, June 30, 2025. 
 
Quotes attributable to WorkSafe Ashley West, Chief Executive:

“Football and netball clubs play a vital role in bringing communities together, offering a space where people can connect, belong, and share their love for sport,” Mr West said.

“Through the WorkSafe Club Safety Fund, we’re proud to continue supporting the hard work of Victoria’s local sporting clubs, helping them create safer, more welcoming environments that feel like a second home for players, staff, volunteers, and supporters.”
 
Quotes attributable to Greg Madigan, Head of AFL Victoria: 
 
“Community football clubs are often the heartbeat of rural and regional towns, and it is so important that we continue to support clubs in upgrading their facilities to improve not only the safety but enjoyment of the loyal members, volunteers and players that keep country footy alive,” Madigan said. 
 
“WorkSafe has been a long-standing partner of AFL Victoria for over 20 years, and I thank them for continuing to provide vital funding through programs such as the Club Safety Fund. These funding initiatives help footy clubs in often very remote areas continue to provide a safe and comfortable place for their community to unite over our great game.  

 “I encourage all country footy clubs in need of funding to make the most of this opportunity and to apply for a grant in 2025. Even a small safety improvement can make a significant difference.” 

AFL Barwon is proud to announce that the Best on Ground medal for the Under 18 Division 1 Male Football Grand Final will be named in honour of John Bligh OAM — a legendary figure in Geelong’s junior football landscape whose remarkable contribution to the game has spanned more than 35 years.

John Bligh’s coaching journey began in 1965 and continued through to 2001, spending time at St Peter’s, North Shore, and Drysdale Football Clubs. Over that period, he missed just three seasons which is a testament to his enduring commitment and passion for developing young athletes. His coaching record is unparalleled in the region and unlikely to ever be repeated.

His legacy is defined by far more than results on the scoreboard. A dedicated volunteer throughout his life, John Bligh has helped shape thousands of junior footballers not just into better athletes, but into respected, disciplined, and community-minded individuals. He instilled values of hard work, perseverance, and integrity lessons that have stayed with many long after their playing days ended.

His impact off the field is just as extraordinary. John personally raised funds to ensure that every player had the opportunity to participate, regardless of financial circumstances. From covering equipment costs to funding end-of-season trips, John went above and beyond to remove barriers to inclusion, often out of his own pocket. He even chaperoned entire teams of young men on trips to places like Warrnambool and Echuca an experience remembered fondly by many.

John’s influence was widely recognised by those around him. He was awarded numerous “Best Clubman” accolades and is a Life Member and Legend of North Shore Football Club one of only seven to receive the club’s highest honour. In 2012, he was presented with a unique 40+ Years of Service Award by Football Geelong (now AFL Barwon) a distinction awarded to no one else.

John also represented the region with distinction, coaching the Geelong Under 18 representative team on multiple occasions. His reputation as the area’s most respected junior coach was built not just on his football knowledge, but on the way, he inspired young people to become responsible, respectful adults. John Bligh has quietly and selflessly helped shape the lives of countless young people across generations and his legacy will continue through this newly named Grand Final honour.

AFL Barwon is proud to recognise and celebrate the incredible contribution of John Bligh by naming the Under 18 Division 1 Male Football Grand Final Best on Ground Medal in his honour.

AFL Victoria is calling on grassroots football and netball clubs to promote road safety in their communities for a share of $700,000 thanks to the Transport Accident Commission’s (TAC) Club Rewards Program.

This year’s program aims to empower clubs to develop a culture where all players and members consider road safety before getting behind the wheel.

The Wellman family from Lucknow FNC attended today’s launch, after tragically losing their brother and son Koby in a road accident in 2022.

Now in its sixth year, the TAC Club Rewards Program allows AFL Victoria-affiliated football and netball clubs to apply for rewards of up to $10,000 to spend on club initiatives like club transport, new equipment and uniforms or facility upgrades. 

A further $100,000 has been added to this year’s funding pool to support more clubs in spreading the message.

More than 230 clubs earned a share of last year’s pool, with many motivated to take part after being affected by road tragedy.

As part of this year’s program, clubs will be asked to start conversations and be part of the campaign to raise awareness of the dangers of speeding, with the tagline – “Be the difference”. 

Gippsland’s Lucknow Football Netball Club and Barwon’s Western Eagles Football Netball Club were last year’s top recipients, and were rewarded for their impressive social media campaigns and road safety themed initiatives like ‘Deso Discounts’ and peer-to-peer videos.

Today’s launch in Gippsland comes as 133 people have lost their lives on Victorian roads, with more than 60 per cent of deaths happening on the same regional roads that footballers and netballers travel on for games every week.

More information on the TAC Club Rewards Program can be found at play.afl/victoria/tacclubrewards