Shire Christian School has been announced as the winner of AFL School of the Year in the 2024 Toyota AFL National Volunteer of the Year Awards.
The annual awards, comprising 13 categories, recognise individuals and organisations across Australia who have made outstanding contributions to community football.
Thanks to the dedication of passionate teachers and students, the game of AFL has not only been introduced at Shire Christian School in recent years but has flourished.
One of those teachers, Mr Charleston, an eager AFL fan and Year 6 teacher, said the award recognised more than just the school’s growing progression in AFL.
“The school has a desire to provide an environment where students feel safe and supported to embrace new challenges – because that’s when they grow.”
“The Shire has historically been an NRL and soccer region, and it’s exciting to see our students giving AFL a go and increasing in enthusiasm.”
“This award is for the many students who have been involved over the past few years and tried something new. From those who helped get our Paul Kelly Cup team back off the ground in 2022, to the booked-out Auskick clinics after school with boys and girls as young as kindergarten age participating, AFL has certainly taken hold in The Shire.
“Next year we are hopeful to have a second Paul Kelly Cup team to accommodate the number of students eager to learn and play AFL,” Mr Charleston said.
The impact of these efforts has extended beyond the school gates, inspiring several students to join local AFL clubs, and fulfilling the school’s vision of raising leaders who positively impact the community in a Christ-like manner.
In acknowledgement of the award, from as soon as next week, Shire Christian students will be able to make use of new AFL posts on the school oval. The multi-sport posts will allow for AFL, soccer and rugby style games to be played and can be removed and reconfigured as required.
Mr Charleston said he was thrilled by the way AFL had been adopted at Shire Christian School.
“The journey from unfamiliarity to excitement towards AFL demonstrates the willingness of our students to embrace new challenges and hopefully, in some, marks the beginning of a lifelong passion for Australia’s game,” said Mr Charleston.
Mr Charleston will officially accept the award on behalf of Shire Christian School at the AFL Grand Final on Saturday 28 September, and will take part in the Grand Final Parade.
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