Nominate now for the 2026 AFL SportsReady Awards!

Nominations close at 5pm on Monday, 9 February 2026.

For 2026, we’ll announce four national Awards that celebrate exceptional achievements, hard work and resilience through completing AFL SportsReady’s program. We invite all Host employers to nominate outstanding trainees, apprentices or cadets for the awards:

2026 AFL SportsReady Trainee or Apprentice of the Year Award

• Recognising Excellence: Celebrates exceptional commitment and skills demonstrated by trainees and apprentices.
• Outstanding Achievement: Open to those who have completed or are completing a traineeship or apprenticeship, showcasing dedication and success.
• Commitment to Learning: Highlights ongoing efforts to improve and succeed in both the AFL SportsReady and ArtsReady programs.

2026 Warumilang Trainee of the Year Award

• Empowering First Nations Excellence: Honours First Nations trainees and school-based trainees for their dedication and performance.
• Comprehensive Support: Highlights individuals in the Warumilang Program, providing tailored training and career pathways for First Nations peoples.
• Cultural Contribution: Recognises the unique perspectives and value First Nations trainees bring to workplaces.

2026 Warumilang Cadet of the Year Award

• Empowering First Nations Excellence: Honours First Nations cadets for their dedication and performance.
• Comprehensive Support: Highlights individuals in the Warumilang Program, providing tailored training and career pathways for First Nations peoples.
• Cultural Contribution: Recognises the unique perspectives and value First Nations cadets bring to workplaces.

2026 The Ready Foundation Growth Award

• Personal Development: Celebrates trainees, apprentices or cadets who have shown significant growth in their role.
• Overcoming Challenges: Recognises resilience and determination in overcoming obstacles.
• Commitment to Learning: Highlights ongoing efforts to improve and succeed in their careers.

Eligibility

Full-time/part-time Trainees, Cadet, School-Based Trainee and Apprentices are eligible for nomination when they have achieved the following:

• Successfully completed the AFL SportsReady program (compulsory)
• Consistently demonstrated a strong work ethic
• Collaborated effectively with colleagues
• Showed initiative and innovation in their role
• Exceeded expectations in their work contributions
• Achieved exceptional results
• Overcame challenges with resilience throughout the AFL SportsReady program

To be nominated, the AFL SportsReady program must have been completed or is due to be completed by or before 31 March 2026. Nominations close at 5pm on Monday, 9 February 2026.

PLEASE NOTE: If you would like to nominate more than once, please submit this form again with the additional details.