At last night’s 2021 Season Launch, the YJFL inducted two new members to Life Members status.
Congratulations to current YJFL President, Jeff Hooper for his induction.
Below is the speech read by current YJFL General Manager and Life Member Peter Nicholls:
Jeff Hooper is nominated for Life Membership of the Yarra Junior Football League following 16 years of voluntary service and commitment to the YJFL community at club and League level, particularly in Female Football.
Jeff’s introduction to the YJFL was in 2005, when his son commenced playing in the U9’s with Kew Rovers JFC. Jeff supported his son and the club on training nights and Game days. In 2008 Jeff was elected as President of Kew Rovers JFC and continued in the role throughout 2009 and 2010. In 2010 as well as having the title of President he was head coach of the Kew Rovers U14 side.
In 2011 after stepping aside as President, Jeff and the newly appointed Kew Rovers President, Paul Lane introduced a Youth Girls team to Kew Rovers. Jeff was the Inaugural coach of this side and under Jeff’s guidance the Kew Rovers YG won the Premiership in their first season (2011).
In 2012 Jeff coached Kew Giants Colts Div. 4 side to a premiership. Jeff is someone who doesn’t shy away from a challenge, he also volunteered in 2012 to take on the YJFL Role of Metro Junior Champions Head Coach- U15 Girls. Jeff enthusiastically continued in the role of Head Coach of the YJFL U15 girls Rep sides in the 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017 seasons. Jeff proudly advises all that 16 of the girls he coached in the YJFL rep sides were drafted to AFLW sides. Whilst in the role of Head Coach of the Girls Rep teams Jeff always encouraged girls he had coached to return as his assistant coaches- many of the girls took up this opportunity. Jeff’s teams won the Metro Junior Championships in 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016.
During the years he voluntary coached the YJFL Girls Rep sides, Jeff successfully ran his own business and even recommenced playing football in his own right.
In 2014 Jeff was nominated to the YJFL Board as the Board member for Female Football. He continued in this role until 2016, always passionate to ensure the YJFL were leaders in Female Football.
In 2017 Jeff was elected by the YJFL Board as Vice President of the League. In 2018 Jeff was elected as President of the League- a role he is still undertaking in 2021. Jeff’s foresight on all things girl’s football and junior football in general has been outstanding. This is reflected in the participation numbers and strong competitions at the YJFL with record numbers of teams, and female competitions in every age group, with 25% of the player population now being female.
In recognition of his outstanding service to the YJFL, Jeff Hooper is awarded Life Membership of the League.
