Queensland making its mark with AFL SportsReady

AFL Queensland has enjoyed a string of successful trainees thanks to its 11 year partnership with AFL SportsReady. This includes trainee Jordan Zanchetta who’s been kicking goals both on and off the field.

‘I wanted to do a traineeship with AFL Queensland because I love football and have always seen myself working in the sporting industry,’ the 21 year old explained.

‘I knew this opportunity with AFL SportsReady would put me on the right path and I have never looked back.’

Jordan started her AFL SportsReady journey in 2011 with a school-based traineeship, completing a Certificate II in Community and Recreation.

Thrilled with the experience she went on to commence a second traineeship at AFL Queensland while studying a Certificate III in Sport and Recreation.

‘AFL Queensland is an incredible support. The team have provided me with direction and guidance. They’ve welcomed me with open arms, while preparing me to work here full time,’ she said.

‘My tasks include administration, visiting schools running clinics and working with kids to teach them football. I am extremely passionate about footy so this role is a dream come true,’ she added.

AFL Queensland Football Development Manager for Brisbane South, Darren Resuggan, said Jordan’s interest in the game shines in her commitment and dedication to her role.

‘Jordan is very interested in the game, being a player herself. Having that high level of interest is really important and it really shows when she’s out there with the kids and teaching clinics,’ Darren commented.

‘Having someone like her on our team is really positive and also very aspirational as a role model for the younger kids we meet.’

Darren believes the traineeship program is invaluable, saying he is impressed with the calibre of trainees who have walked through the doors at AFL Queensland.

‘Taking on trainees has been a great opportunity to scope out potential for full-time employees moving forward. It’s obviously important for us to take on employees who are invested in the organisation.’

‘As long as AFL SportsReady continues to provide trainees, we will continue to use them,’ he laughed.

Jordan, hopes to one day move to full time work at AFL Queensland, along with being drafted into the National Women’s AFL team.

‘This traineeship has opened up a whole new window of opportunity for me. It’s an amazing turning point for young people who are looking for their start in life and their career. Thanks to AFL SportsReady I got my start.’

DATE: 19th of May 2016
IMAGE: Photo from google images. Jordan Zanchetta (left) playing at the Brisbane v Gold Coast – Women’s Exhibition
AUTHOR: Marissa Pagliarello