In the busy workplace of AFL House, located in the iconic Marvel Stadium, a new generation of talent is emerging. Among them is Lewis McShane, an AFL SportsReady Trainee who has been working as a Game Development Trainee.
Lewis McShane’s path to AFL SportsReady’s traineeship program began with a strong foundation in community engagement and education. Having completed a previous traineeship at Cobram Primary School. Lewis was at a crossroads with his university plans when he reconnected with AFL Field Officer Mick Caruso, a pivotal mentor from his past traineeship.
Mick’s recommendation to apply for the AFL SportsReady program was a major turning point for Lewis.
I decided to do a traineeship because of the massive benefits out of completing it.
When I started to hear about other Trainees opportunities and what they have achieved solely off the traineeship.
It was something that I wanted to also experience.
Lewis’s experience at AFL House has been positive.
I have loved every minute of my traineeship so far. I can’t count the number of new people I have met, internally as well as externally.
The opportunity to thrive in my own position and bring forward new ideas to others around me makes me want to come into work every day.
His daily responsibilities are diverse, covering five different areas in game development. From appointing umpires for local development sessions to liaising with national volunteer leads and promoting grassroots football.
Lewis’s role is integral to the fabric of the AFL community.
Of course, he also finds time to enjoy a well-deserved oat latte from the on-site café.
As I cover 5 different areas in game development it varies as to what has more priority at that time. Some main tasks that I do daily include appointing umpires to attend local umpire development sessions, get in contact with national volunteer leads to provide information and statistics on there number of volunteers, promoting grassroots football and can’t forget grabbing an oat latte from the wonderful cafe.
One of the key aspects of his success has been the support from his supervisor, Paul Milo.
Paul was a great help in easing me into the role. He provided support in all areas and has a wealth of knowledge in every department.
He is always there if you have a question and makes you feel very welcomed.
In addition to Paul’s guidance, Lewis has benefited from the support of his AFL SportsReady Field Officer, Mick.
Mick has been a great help in assisting me in all areas of the traineeship. Whether that being submitting timesheets, information regarding assessments and completing forms that needed to be signed.
Throughout his traineeship, Lewis has gained invaluable skills and insights.
The biggest thing for me is to be more versatile and punctual.
In such a big organisation like the AFL, there are a lot of people, so if you are confident and approachable, it will go a long way to others who may need your assistance in the future.
Looking ahead, Lewis aspires to continue his journey within the AFL.
I hopefully plan to continue onto the AFL. I would love to work here full time and even fill a new position where I can further promote the best game in Australia in whichever way that may be.
For young people contemplating their future, Lewis has a clear message:
I would highly recommend this traineeship to young people in the community who are unsure of their future path as of yet and want to continue to learn while getting to do a very enjoyable job.
The AFL has given me a wide range of options as it has many departments, and I could only say good things about the traineeship.
Lewis’s journey has been supported by his family, who played a crucial role in encouraging him to pursue this opportunity.
My parents were a great help in pushing me towards this traineeship, getting me to update my resume, being on time to the meeting, etc. They were really supportive and were a really good guide.
As Lewis McShane continues to thrive in his role at AFL House, his story is a great inspiration to others looking for ideas to find their path. His dedication, passion and the support he has received underscore the AFL SportsReady program and the bright future that lies ahead for this rising star.
