THE 2018 season finished on a high note for the volunteers at the Alexandra Hills Junior Australian Rules Football Club.
The Brisbane Juniors Gala Awards saw Dan Jaillet taking out Volunteer Junior Coach of the Year, Robert Wilson Volunteer Youth Coach of the Year and young umpire Marcus Fischer finalist in the Eximm Junior Club Person of the Year category.
Junior chairman Leanne Taylor received the NAB 2018 Auskick Volunteer Award for the south Brisbane region.
“As a club it’s wonderful to have the recognition of supplying quality coaching staff to our young players,” Ms Taylor said.
The club also appointed a new committee with the focus of creating a family friendly, fun environment for all ages.
Ms Kerswell said the new community engagement approach would make the Bombers’ presence known in the Redlands over the next season.
“The refreshed community engagement approach has seen us broaden our sight from an AFL-centric focus, to engaging with clubs and organisations throughout the community,” she said.
“It’s important to not only give back, but offer more spaces for kids to be able to engage with others and feel connected to their environment.
“As many of us are parent volunteers, we certainly understand the difficulties that face children and their parents today.”
Starting on November 21, the club will host free Come Try days for boys and girls of all ages.
Ms Kerswell said the opportunity would make it easier for children and their parents to engage with the sport.
“We hope to be able to provide the opportunity for everyone to come and give it a go without the concerns of monetary obligation,” she said.
“(The Come Try days) attempt to capture the all inclusiveness and diversity in sport,” she said.
Former Brisbane Lions player Daniel Merret will be at Alex Hills Ground to assist with boys’ Come Try day on Thursday November 29.
Ms Kerswell said the club had big plans for the next year.
“2019 will also see the Club make a push for mental health awareness in young men through the inclusion of the Outside the Locker Room program,” she said.
“It’s not all about the goals scored on the field, but the effort we as members of this community put in off the field too.”
