It is my pleasure to present the President’s Report for the Northern Tasmanian Junior Football Association.

2022 has again been a successful season, and the NTJFA thanks the 1970 active players who participated in 94 junior and youth teams.

There was an increase in junior registrations, and this reflects the efforts of Clubs, Auskick Centres and  AFL Tas have put into the Auskick programs. The increased presence in schools by AFL Tas coordinators is also showing positive results.

The highlight of the season was undoubtably the Youth Grand Finals. Held over two full days for the first time, and back at the home of Northern Football, UTAS Stadium, the popularity was evident on the smiling faces of those participating and attending.
The junior Gala days once again were the highlight for the junior players and continues to be a successful format.

During 2022 the NTJFA has continued to advocate for our junior football players. Increased involvement with our external stakeholders such as the Northern TasmanianFootball Association (NTFA), Northern Tasmanian Football Umpires Association(NTFUA), Tasmanian Junior Leagues, and AFL Tas.
The Tasmanian Football Board wound up its three-year tenure in June but will most likely be replaced by anew entity at some stage.

New governance

A major achievement this year was the completion of the new governance structure. The process involved 12 months of workshops and consultations, culminating in the unanimous vote by clubs to adopt of the new constitution in June.

The constitution comes into effect at the close of this year’s AGM. The other part of the governance restructure involves the much-needed overhaul of the By-Laws which has commenced.

All Director positions under the existing constitution will be declared vacant at this AGM, and the election of four new Elected Board Directors will be held.
This is a very exciting time and whilst there will no doubt be some bedding in issues, I am sure it will deliver the best outcome for all our junior footballers, and the sport inNorthern Tasmania for many years to come.

As the term of the current Board comes to an end, I would like to thank the dedicated NTJFA Board Directors who have work tirelessly for their Clubs, as well as the Board.

The Executive including Vice President Amanda Jordan, Treasurer Karla Davey, and Public OfficerPacer Markham have provided expertise, professionalism and considered opinions to the Board, and especially to Trudy and myself. Pacer has indicated he will retire from his junior football involvement.
He has been a wonderful contributor to Prospect, the NTJFA Board and Representative Football for over10 years. I am pleased that Amanda Jordan is standing for election to the new Board.

Umpiring

The NTFUA provided outstanding services to the NTJFA again this year.

The Umpire’s Association recruitment of new umpires, especially from our youth footballers has been very successfully.
Thank you to PresidentSarah Shephard and Junior Coordinator Daniel Smedley for their support of theNTJFA.  We were happy to again contribute$2500 towards junior umpire development.

Northern AFL Hub

The Northern AFL Hub continues to work extremely well. The human and financial resources AFL Tas put into the northern region cannot be underestimated.

It provides administration, competition management, club mentoring and support, coaches’ and coaching support, office and meeting facilities for our Association and member Clubs.
I would particularly like to thank AFL Tas CEO Damian Gill, Northern Hub Manager Aaron Roberts, Simon MorrisonNTFA Competition Manager, Nathan Warren Northern Talent Manager, and Jay SchulzCoach Education Manager for their support.

I want to especially thank our NTJFA CompetitionManager Trudy Rundle who provides outstanding service to the NTJFA and her dedication to her role is proven by the countless hours she puts in to administering the Association.  

Duff TV

Duff TV’s live streaming and expert commentary for our representative games, B&F count and all youth grand finals was another highlight.

The B&F live streaming with Will Tatchell (Wildus) and Nic d’Emden (Worm) was a great initiative and very entertaining.  The quality of production and exposure via You Tube provided access across the country and overseas.
Not only were the players and our competition showcased, but it also provides great marketing exposure for our sponsors, IGA, Hawthorn Football Club, Globall Sports, Launceston Mazda, McDonalds, National Pies, Calow’s Coaches, Sportfirst Mowbray, Sherrin and Winc.

Their generosity helps towards the funding for our competition operations, including representative football, uniforms and expenses, and live streaming.

Footy funding

A new initiative this year was to fund footballs for schools, with a partnership between the NTJFA,NTFA, AFL Tas and Sherrin collectively donating $7,500 to provide 100 size 4and 5 logoed balls for Northern high schools playing school football.

This was well received and hopefully will result in increased participation. Donations were also made to Ronald MacDonald House, Fight MND, and the Hillcrest SchoolCommunity Fund.

Representative football

Representative football was played against Mornington Peninsula and the STJFL.

This year also saw the introduction of two game days against the North West Football League.This was very successful with under 14, under 16 boys, and under 16 girls all playing. Hopefully in 2023 under 14 girls can be included.
We appreciate the dedication shown by all players who tried out for the squads. We also thank the Rep Coaches and assistants, and the individual clubs that have developed these talented footballers.

This Annual Report reflects the NTJFA is in a sound financial position, and with the strength of our football community I am confident the Association can continue to provide a strong football experience for all junior and youth footballers in Northern Tasmania.

In closing may I thank you all for the privilege and opportunity to be a part of this wonderful Association. It has been my pleasure to have been President for the past 4years and as a part of the NTJFA Board since 2013.
I wish the new Elected andAppointed Directors of the Board all the very best and am happy to assist with the transition of the new governance structure.

Paul House
President NTJFA

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