AFL Gippsland is excited to announce the launch of its Junior Retention Project Club Toolkit, a major milestone in the ongoing effort to secure the future of junior football in the region.
The toolkit, which was unveiled recently, provides clubs with practical resources and strategies to enhance the experience of young players and foster a lifelong love for the game.
The launch marks the fourth and final stage of the Gippsland Junior Football Retention Project, a collaborative initiative launched in
May 2025.
The project has involved extensive research and consultation with leagues, clubs, players, and parents to understand the key factors influencing junior football participation.
This work culminated in a unified commitment from all seven junior leagues in Gippsland to adopt a series of recommendations designed to put player enjoyment and
development first.
AFL Gippsland Region Manager Cotter is excited for what the toolkit brings to the table, and hopes it could be a game changer.
“The toolkit gives our clubs the tangible resources they need to create better, more inclusive environments for young players. It’s about moving away from a win-at-all-costs mentality and focusing on what truly matters: making sure every kid has a good day at the footy,” Cotter said.
The toolkit is designed to support clubs in four key areas, known as the “Big Plays”, co-designed with local leagues and clubs.
These include coaching, competitions, environment, pathways and programs.
The toolkit is now available to all football stakeholders, and its effectiveness will be evaluated through a combination of quantitative and qualitative measures, including player retention rates, registration numbers, and feedback from players, parents, and coaches.
With junior and youth participation up by 760 year-to-date and a remarkable 15 per cent growth in girls and women’s participation, the timing of this initiative is crucial.
The toolkit is poised to help clubs build on this momentum, ensuring that more young people in Gippsland remain engaged with the sport they love.
