Collingwood and YJFL team up to support community football together

The Yarra Junior Football League is excited to announce a new community partnership with AFL powerhouse, the Collingwood Football Club that will look to strengthen football pathways and community engagement across the Yarra Junior Football League region of north-east Melbourne. 

This partnership will present a range of initiatives to support young footballers, coaches and local clubs, including coaching professional development, interleague program support for the YJFL, cultural awareness training and is part of the Club’s NGA zone. 

Yarra Junior Football League CEO Dom Milesi said the league is excited to partner with such a high quality football club like Collingwood

“As the league, we are incredibly excited to formalise this partnership with the Collingwood Football Club,” Milesi said.

“The partnership will help the YJFL continue to deliver vibrant football competitions for all juniors between eight and 18 years of age across the north-east corridor of Melbourne, much of which is Collingwood heartland.

“We thank Collingwood for their investment in community football, and we look forward to working together.”

Collingwood CEO Craig Kelly says it's an honour to with the YJFL and support the next generation of talent coming through the YJFL region

“We’re incredibly honoured to deepen our connection with the Yarra Junior Football League and further support young footballers, their families and the community,” Kelly said.

“This partnership is especially meaningful for our family. Having had my kids grow up through the YJFL, I’ve seen firsthand the sense of belonging it gives young players. That’s what grassroots footy is all about.

“We don’t take lightly the impact we can have in helping grow and develop the game. We look forward to working with Dom, who is incredible in his work and supporting this pathway for years to come.”

The YJFL continues to be a key grassroots pathway for emerging talent, including Collingwood AFL players Darcy Moore, Jordan De Goey, Isaac Quaynor, Zac McCarthy and Jai Saxena as well as AFLW Rising Star nominee Lucy Cronin.

Former YJFL player and emerging Collingwood midfielder Ned Long started his footballing journey within the YJFL ranks

"I first played footy in Fitzroy with the YJFL, and that’s where I fell in love with the game. It’s awesome to see the Club supporting the league and giving kids like me a chance to grow and support young players."

For the upcoming season, the junior competitions in Under 8 and Under 9’s will be branded as ‘Future Magpies’, whilst all age groups will feature the Magpies logo on match balls, as well as representative team apparel.