Career in Footy and Community
TELL US YOUR STORY
For Bailey Gaskin, starting a traineeship wasn’t just about getting a foot in the door. It marked the beginning of a rewarding career in footy and the community. Proud Noongar man from Kangaroo Island, Bailey, first joined SANFL (South Australian National Football League) as a Game Development Trainee through AFL SportsReady’s traineeship program.
Today, he works full-time as SANFL’s Indigenous Engagement and Participation Lead. A newly created role focused on building cultural connection and creating more opportunities for community involvement.
My traineeship was a great experience. I liked that it gave me a good balance between study and full-time work. I’d finished Year 12 and knew Uni wasn’t for me at that point.
I wanted to do something more hands-on.
Bailey had started a university degree but quickly realised it wasn’t the right fit. The traineeship offered something different, study combined with real experience in the sport industry.
It was the best of both worlds. I still got to study, which I enjoyed. But I was also working, learning on the job and doing something I was passionate about.
During his traineeship, Bailey had the chance to be part of SANFL’s involvement in Gather Round, which was an opportunity he says was a real highlight.
I got to help run clinics with AFL players, including taking a group of North Melbourne players into a school. Not many people get to do that.
But it wasn’t just the big events that stood out.
Some of my best memories are from the everyday stuff, going out to schools with other trainees to promote Auskick. It was pretty unreal to be able to kick the footy around with kids and call it work.
After finishing his traineeship, Bailey was offered a short-term contract and took on some casual work. He missed out on a couple of roles that came up later in the year. However, he persevered, eventually returning to the SANFL.
Things don’t always go to plan straight away, but I just kept saying yes to opportunities.
That persistence paid off. Bailey is now in a full-time leadership role, focused on Indigenous engagement and participation across the state.
I’ve started connecting with people in similar roles at other leagues too. There’s a lot of great work happening around cultural awareness and it’s been good to learn from others.
For Bailey, representation in footy is something he is passionate about.
Growing up in a place like Kangaroo Island, I didn’t have many First Nations role models around me. Now, being one of only a few First Nations staff at SANFL, it’s pretty meaningful to be in a position where I can represent community and hopefully inspire others.
What advice does he have for other young people considering their next step?
Just back yourself. It doesn’t matter where you start. Whether it’s Uni, a traineeship or something else. If you show up, work hard and stay open to opportunities, you’ll continue to learn and grow.
Bailey Gaskin, proud Noongar man and Game Development Trainee at SANFL.
Has been honoured with the 2024 First Nations Trainee of the Year award for South Australia.
Bailey’s journey through his traineeship has reflected his hard work, passion, and personal and professional growth.
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