The inspiration of working with fun yet professional staff is what continues to drive Regional Manager Keith Webb to keep returning and has done so, for over the past ten years.
Webb first started out as a Development Officer for the AFL Queensland region Brisbane North but took his opportunity to step up and drive Australian Rules on the Darling Downs. Ten years down the track and Webb has been one of the key driving forces behind the rapid growth across the Downs.
Webb put it down to the volunteers and the band that have done a terrific job.
“Everyone is doing a great job, especially the volunteers at club level”, Webb praised the work of the terrific volunteers.
“The competition has seen great growth, especially over the last 3 to 4 years and is in a very healthy state which is a direct result of the hard work done by our fantastic volunteer”, Webb added.
In Webb’s time as Regional Manager, he has seen many highlights from record junior numbers and a player drafted to the AFL. Webb rates the following as some of his top career highlights so far on the Downs;
– Darling Downs Senior men’s league expanding from 6 sides to 12sides. - Inclusion of Women’s and Reserves competitions - Coaching and being part of the first ever Under 18 Crows premiership side in the SEQ league. - Assisting with the expansion to have regional Under 14 Crows
Though Webb predicts the future to be bright with the view for the region to have a first class facility for the home of footy for the Darling Downs and more opportunities for the juniors coming through.
“Charlton sporting precinct is a major focus at present, a first class AFL facility on the Darling Downs is long overdue and our team is working closely with TRC on this project to achieve a great result for all footballers on the Darling Downs in the not to distant future,” Webb said.
Webb also added that the, “Consolidation within all clubs to reach capacity within their nominated junior teams and play consistent games of 18 per side football thus raising the standard right across the region.”
More representative opportunities are also major focus for Webb.
“More representative opportunities for all players, minimum of 7-8 representative games for U14 / U16 players in 2014 as well as senior and women’s representative opportunities in 2014 will help keep our elite players in the DD system.”
Webb has done fantastic job in the ten years as Regional Manager and said that even though every day poses a new challenge, the ability to make those challenges enjoyable stems from motivation within your working environment.
“I am lucky to have a great team at AFLQDD who all inspire each other every day to get the most out of each other,” Webb said.
2014 is shaping up as another big year for the veteran Webb.
