I Always Wanted to Work in Footy
For Lachlan Rees, footy has always been more than just a passion. Since completing a Game Development traineeship with SANFL, he has turned his love for the sport into a meaningful career. While he wasn’t sure at first if university was the right move, he completed his Certificate IV in Sport Development during his traineeship. Lachlan is now studying Sports Management (online) at Torrens University. His story is one of combining community impact, personal growth and professional development.
I always wanted to work in footy. I saw the traineeship pop up and I thought ‘that’s perfect.’ I figured I’d get my foot in the door, learn from the best and study on the side. The main thing that inspired me to apply in the first place is that it gave me a sense of direction.
From running clinics to organising AFL half-time activities with kids, Lachlan found excitement in the unexpected and thrived on the variety of the role.
The beauty of my role in game development is that every day was different. Some days I could be at a school promoting a program and other days I could start at the office then go facilitate a program.
When asked about standout moments, Lachlan speaks fondly of Adelaide’s Gather Round.
Gather Round was awesome. I’m a Brisbane Lions fan so I rarely get to see them play or train, so when Gather Round came around and I’m out on the oval running a clinic with Brisbane Lions fans, that was definitely one of my favourite parts.
But it’s not just the big events that leave an impact, Lachlan finds deep meaning in the small victories too.
Another highlight would definitely be spending time with kids and seeing them develop. I loved being able to be a positive influence in their lives.
Lachlan takes particular pride in an initiative close to his heart: the All-Accessible Auskick program for children with disabilities. His idea was to give those kids the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to play during AFL half-time.
The smile on their faces, they just haven’t seen or done anything like that in their lives. It was pretty special. The crowd was cheering them all on.
Throughout the traineeship, Lachlan has been driven by clear goals.
Last year we beat the all-time state record for Auskick numbers in a zone. We had nearly 1400 kids doing Auskick in our area!
[Photo: Craig Employment Coach with Lachlan]
Being part of West Adelaide Football Club, Norwood Football Club and the broader SANFL community has only deepened Lachlan’s sense of purpose.
Sport is not just about being active and healthy living, it’s also about teaching kids life lessons.
Being a positive influence on their life and teaching them a few things rather than just footy. All that stuff is transferable.
If you’re uncertain about what to do and you’re young, there’s no reason not to (do a traineeship). Even if you do a year and then go and study, people will look at that and go that person’s already worked at a school and they’ll be perfect for the job.
For Lachlan, this traineeship has been more than a job, it’s been a kickstart for a meaningful future as he takes the next step in his career and studies.
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