League and Manager both spread wings

New season, new age groups, new clubs, a new venue, and there will soon be a new Community Football and Competition Manager with news that Paul Taylor is moving into a new role within AFL NSW/ACT.

After nearly eight years in his current position with AFL NSW/ACT, Taylor has decided that the time is right to take on a different challenge and will move into the state-wide role of Umpire Recruitment and Retention Lead.

“Footy has been on an incredible growth trajectory in my time thanks to the tireless efforts of club administrators. Our clubs know that meaningful, sustainable growth can only occur when we all work together to create a positive, supportive match day environment, and the collaboration between clubs has been at the heart of the growth,” Taylor said.

“In the Junior ranks, we’ve seen the number of clubs grow from five to ten, the number of teams grow from 16 to 46, and the number of age groups grow from three to six. In the Senior ranks, we’ve had both the Northern Beaches and Nambucca Valley clubs reform, whilst Lismore, Casino, and Byron have all joined from the Northern Rivers. 

“Within that growth, we’ve seen the introduction of a Youth Girls competition, which has now expanded to both Under 14 and Under 17, as well as a really successful Women’s competition. We have a complete pathway for female players and that will only be enhanced next season when another age group is added.”

Taylor starts in the new role on 1 May and will continue to be based in the Northern NSW office in Coffs Harbour.

Recruitment is currently underway to find a replacement, with the role able to be viewed here (applications close on 1 May). An announcement will be made on the successful candidate once appointed.