WorkSafe AFL Victoria Country is pleased to announce the addition of seven new Football Development Managers (FDMs) to our team in regional and rural Victoria.
The extra resources will make a significant impact in every corner of the state, as all stakeholders, particularly affiliated leagues and clubs, receive access to increased levels of support and game development expertise.
The role of the FDM combines the responsibilities of the current AFL Victoria Region Development Managers and WorkSafe AFL Vic Country Area Managers, and represents a substantial investment into grass roots football in country Victoria.
The seven new FDMs will play an important role in the development and implementation of a strategic plan for football in their specific region and have a hands-on-role in growing the game in conjunction with WorkSafe AFL Victoria and their local AFL Region Commission.
WorkSafe AFL Victoria Country General Manager Brett Connell said he was delighted by the calibre of the successful applicants.
"We are extremely pleased to have secured the services of such experienced and talented individuals and are excited by the support the additional resources will provide for country football in general," Connell said.
"Having people with local knowledge and strong links to the local community will allow benefits to flow through to all levels of football from Auskick to senior and junior competitions."
Mark Lambourn, a former Team Leader in the Sports Facilities and Premier Places Department of the Greater Shepparton City Council, has been added to the development team in the Goulburn Murray.
He joins current Goulburn Murray Region Development Manager Greg Liddell and former Central Murray Region Development Manager Trevor Mellington, who will transition into their new FDM roles during July.
In Geelong – now known as the AFL Barwon Region – Luke Maher, a previous employee at Football and Netball Geelong, and Tim Macmichael, a qualified teacher originally from Tasmania, have joined current Region Development Manager John Edsall as FDMs.
There will also be two additional resources in the North East Border region thanks to the recruitment of experienced football administrator Zak Guilfoyle and former police officer and compliance inspector Grant Saunders.
Guilfoyle and Saunders will join Jeff Chandler (current AFL Victoria Region Development Manager) and Darren Ogier (Murray Bushtrangers Coach/Development Manager) as part of the greater North East Border football development team.
The Central Victorian football community has welcomed the addition of Ricky Coburn, the current coach of South Bendigo and a former primary school teacher, as the second FDM for the region alongside Tony McNamara.
And finally, Jamie Macri has been appointed FDM for the Central Murray region, bringing a wealth experience to the role.
Macri was previously employed as the Welfare Coordinator at the Kerang Technical High School and is the senior coach of the Mallee Eagles in the Central Murray Football League.
"The addition of the FDMs marks an important milestone in the restructure of country football administration and follows the appointments of Adrian Bromage (East Gippsland FDM) and Jason Muldoon (Wimmera FDM) earlier this year," Connell said.
"Slight changes will also be made in the South East with the experienced duo of Ben O'Brien and Michael Roberts transitioning into the role of FDMs in July/August."
Article first appeared www.vcfl.com.au Wednesday, June 26, 2013
