AFL Industry Dream Job
It all started for Charli Kelley at the end of Year 12, when she first heard about the AFL SportsReady traineeship program. Eager to break into the AFL industry, Charli applied for positions at Marvel and checked the jobs board frequently.
I really wanted a job in the AFL.
I was even ready to move to Melbourne for a traineeship.
Charli’s passion for AFL and marketing made this opportunity perfect for her.
What made me want to pursue a career in this industry is my love of AFL. I love watching it and being a big supporter.
Combining that with a career I am passionate about is super exciting.
I have always wanted to study marketing and being able to combine it with AFL is the perfect combination.
Her parents, big AFL fans, were thrilled when Charli secured a marketing traineeship with the Gold Coast SUNS. Although she’s a Brisbane Lions fan, Charli has always had a soft spot for the SUNS, even owning a SUNS scarf before starting her traineeship.
After finishing Year 12 in 2021, Charli spent a year and a half at university studying digital advertising and law. Balancing her traineeship and academics, she now takes one subject per semester.
I have kind of set Uni to the side, which has made it manageable to do both Uni and a traineeship at the same time.
She plans to finish her traineeship and then return to university to complete her remaining subjects.
Since joining the SUNS in January, Charli has faced challenges head-on, including pushing out of her comfort zone.
I am naturally a quiet person, so I have tried to put myself out there more since starting at the SUNS.
The support from her supervisor Madison Fay and AFL SportsReady’s Larissa and Phoebe has been invaluable in her progress.
Charli emphasises the value of traineeships, noting that they provide real industry experience and opportunities to take on various roles and responsibilities.
The way the traineeship has changed me is that I am now more confident,
and it has given me a lot of experience that I wouldn’t have got otherwise.
My main feedback is that I have been absolutely loving working here and it is my first job where I am actually excited to come to work every day.
Madison Fay, the Senior Brand & Marketing Executive at the Gold Coast SUNS, has witnessed firsthand the positive impact of having a dedicated Marketing Trainee…
With over 29 years of experience providing quality job opportunities and launching the careers of thousands of young Australians. AFL SportsReady offers diverse and thrilling opportunities that could take your career to the next level.
So why wait? Kickstart your career today by exploring available Traineeships. If you’re interested in sports management, business administration or any number of other fields. There’s sure to be a role that fits your skills and interests.
Filling out our Expressions of Interest Form is a useful step if you are unable to find a specific job opening. This helps us identify candidates for future opportunities and reach out if a relevant opportunity becomes available.
