AFL Queensland today announced structural changes to the organisation that have seen the introduction of a dedicated junior football department.
The new AFL Queensland Junior Football Department is responsible for the administration of AFL Brisbane Juniors, AFL Gold Coast Juniors and AFL Sunshine Coast Juniors; and will provide support to junior affiliate leagues in the Darling Downs, Northern Rivers, Wide Bay, Mackay, Capricornia, Townsville and Cairns.
All staff from the Brisbane, Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast Junior Leagues has moved across to AFL Queensland to be led by Cherie Brockwell, who has commenced in the new role of State Junior Football Manager.
AFL Queensland Chief Executive Officer Dean Warren said the changes were a key component of the state’s growth strategy.
“This is the first dedicated junior football business unit within any of the AFL State offices, and underlines the AFL’s commitment to growing our game at junior club level,” said Warren.
“The new structure will improve alignment and greater teamwork across AFL Queensland departments to provide better support to our dedicated and passionate volunteer network. “
AFL Queensland Junior Football Department Staff – Effective November 1
Cherie Brockwell – State Junior Football Manager
Former AFL Brisbane Juniors General Manager Cherie Brockwell has more than 26 years’ experience in Queensland junior football, and has also overseen the AFL Queensland senior community football competitions.
Cherie will sit on the AFL Queensland Executive and be responsible for overseeing the governance and administration of the three South East Queensland junior competitions, as well as providing support to affiliated junior leagues.
Tony Saunders – Juniors Competition Manager – Brisbane/ FootyWeb Manager – QLD
Tony will be responsible for the management of the Brisbane Juniors Under 12 to Under 17 youth competition, including fixtures, umpire appointments; and overseeing the Under 6 to Under 11 competitions.
Tony will also be officially appointed as FootyWeb Manager, a role that he has acted in voluntarily for the last few years. He will provide database support to all of AFL Queensland’s competitions and affiliated leagues.
Tim Menzies – Juniors Competition Coordinator – Brisbane
Tim will be responsible for the administration of the Under 6 to Under 11 junior competitions, including fixtures, ensuring adherence to the Junior Match Policy and the coordination of the Junior Football Umpiring Program.
Jenny Webber – Juniors Competition Manager – Gold Coast
Jenny brings over 20 years’ experience to AFL Queensland, where she will continue to oversee the Gold Coast Juniors competition.
Dean Wicks – Junior Competition Coordinator – Gold Coast
Dean will also continue his current work with the Gold Coast competitions, where he provides competition support to Jenny Webber
Pierce Field – Juniors Competition Manager – Sunshine Coast
Pierce will be directly responsible for the management of the Sunshine Coast Juniors Under 6 to Under 17 competitions; including fixtures, umpiring and adherence to the Junior Match Policy and the coordination of the Junior Football Umpiring Program.
