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Read stories that bring our impact to life, showcasing the people, partnerships and communities we work with.
As Recruitment & Engagement Officer at AFL SportsReady, Demi plays a pivotal role in helping young people start their careers. Whether she’s matching candidates with the right traineeship or building relationships with host employers, she has a front-row seat to what makes a potential trainee stand out, the traits and attitudes that open doors to opportunity.
For Isabella Palandri and Lachlan Tailly, their traineeships at St Joseph’s College have provided a chance to gain hands-on experience, build confidence and discover what they want to do next in their careers.
Every week brings something different for Jake Paterson, whose traineeship has taken him across Western Australia, delivering football programs to schools and communities while representing the club he has supported his whole life.
Christine Glenn has been working at the Port Adelaide Football Club for over four years as part of the Power Community Ltd team. Now in her second year as Community Programs Team Leader, she leads the club’s First Nations programs and has played a key role in supporting her trainee, Ebony Noack, to grow into a confident and capable young leader within the team.
Team Leader Gayle Donaldson speaks on her experience mentoring Winnie, a recent trainee at City of Sydney Libraries. Winnie is the first trainee to join the team and is already making a lasting impression.
First Nations Trainee Elizabeth Barker, known as Lizzy, is making their mark as an Events and Engagement Trainee (Diversity and Inclusion) at the University of Sydney through AFL SportsReady’s ArtsReady Traineeship Program. Their work is all about creating space for everyone and the traineeship has given them a unique opportunity to combine hands-on experience with meaningful work that promotes inclusivity and representation across the University community.
While studying for her Certificate III in Business, Lucy Saunders has stepped into the role of Events Assistant Trainee with the City of Sydney, gaining a front-row seat to the planning and execution of some of the city’s biggest events.
When future educator Demi Sheedy finished Year 12 at Salesian College Sunbury, she returned to campus in a new way. This time as an Outdoor Education Assistant Trainee! Supporting the Year 9 Retreat Program while studying a Certificate III in Sport, Aquatics and Recreation through AFL SportsReady.
Six months into her traineeship at Beveridge Primary School, Sarah Huggins has already found that she is passionate about helping others. Working alongside the school’s PE teachers, Sarah plays an important role in supporting both staff and students.
At AFL SportsReady, Kylie Spragg brings passion and purpose to her dual role as Educator and Instructional Designer – two hats she wears proudly. With nearly six years of experience supporting Certificate III and IV in Business trainees, she spends her days full of connection, creativity and care.
At 15 years old, proud First Nations School-Based Trainee Sienna Abdullah is thriving at the Commonwealth Bank’s Ingle Farm branch. While most school-based trainees are in Year 11 or 12, Sienna is currently in Year 10, making her the youngest trainee the branch has ever hosted. But age hasn’t held her back. If anything, it’s been a motivator.
At Salesian College Sunbury (Victoria), something truly unique is happening within the educational landscape. AFL SportsReady Trainees are not just interns but the driving force behind various departments, each carving their careers and adding their unique perspectives to the school’s vibrant environment.
Riley Brettell, Senior Partnerships Account Manager – AFL Victoria and State Leagues at the AFL, supervised AFL SportsReady’s 2025 Trainee of the Year, Carla Gardiner. Reflecting on the experience, he says hosting a trainee is as much about investing in your team as it is in the individual.
For many high school students, choosing a career path can feel really daunting. But with Tim McEachern leading the way in the VDSS (VET Delivered to Secondary Students) program, specifically the Certificate III in Sport, Aquatics and Recreation program, that all starts with building confidence.
Chloe Gilcrist, proud Wiradjuri woman, is completing her second traineeship with AFL SportsReady as an Aboriginal Youth Engagement Trainee at the City of Casey’s Aboriginal Gathering Place. Her journey has been marked by a deepening connection to her cultural roots and significant professional development.
For proud Lama Lama woman Jennifer Muleta, the opportunity to complete a First Nations Customer Service Traineeship has been life-changing. Since starting her traineeship in June last year, Jennifer has gained invaluable experience and developed skills that she never imagined she would have.
For Sheree Buckley, being an Employment Coach is more than a job. It’s a chance to make a real difference in the lives of young people. Every day, Sheree helps trainees uncover their potential, build confidence and take meaningful steps toward their career goals.
Luke Woods, proud First Nations Cadet working in sustainability. Is on the verge of completing his business degree while gaining hands-on experience with Queensland Health as part of his cadetship.
The Aspiring Koorie Teachers – Earn & Learn Program is a culturally grounded pathway for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people in Victoria to enter education and support young learners.
When Liberty Carter (Libby) started her traineeship at the City of Sydney 10 years ago, she didn’t realise it would shape the next decade of her career. Since completing her traineeship, Libby has built a career across both public and private sector supporting high profile major events.
Daniel Payne's journey from an AFL SportsReady trainee to the CEO of Down Syndrome Victoria is a genuine story of dedication and a deep commitment to making a difference.
At the University of Sydney, the Indigenous traineeship program led by Craig Seinor-Davies has become a practical and effective pathway into professional employment for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people. Delivered in partnership with AFL SportsReady, the program combines structured employment with intentional development, creating opportunities that extend well beyond a single role.
For regional schools like St Mary’s College in Seymour, attracting and retaining staff can be a challenge. Rather than relying solely on external recruitment, the school has embraced AFL SportsReady traineeships as a way to build its own future workforce – and with outstanding results.
Asha Simpson’s Sports Administration traineeship at St Mary’s Star of the Sea College in Wollongong has allowed her to explore her passion for sport and education and she has no plans of slowing down anytime soon.
Lachlan King from St Mary’s College Seymour has been named AFL SportsReady’s 2026 Trainee of the Year, recognising his outstanding growth, contribution and impact throughout his traineeship.
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.
Carla Gardiner announced as AFL SportsReady's 2025 National Trainee of the Year for Impact and Excellence!
After graduating from high school, Leila Tebb knew she wanted to enter the sports industry, but wasn’t convinced university was the right move. She started her traineeship with St Kilda Football Club in January.