Trainee scores full-time gig with AFL

Thanks to the Young Leaders Program, trainee Josh Rozairo received the most exciting news of his career, being offered a full-time position as a Development Coordinator with the AFL.

The program, in partnership with AFL NSW/ACT, allows trainees to work with the AFL Game Development team, giving them an understanding of what it takes to be a leader in the industry.

‘I had a couple of friends who were already doing the Young Leaders Program and thoroughly enjoyed it. They said they were learning non-stop and that I would be well-suited to the role. Having an opportunity to work full-time in the AFL whilst studying, I just couldn’t turn it down,’ explained Josh. 

Starting the program in 2015, Josh was assigned to work with AFL NSW/ACT in Western Sydney while studying a Certificate IV in Business. After completing his traineeship he went on to pursue a second year with the program to achieve a Diploma in Business. 

‘The program was amazing. I coached kids, learnt how the industry operates and saw the leadership and management aspects that occur daily in the AFL.’

‘Sometimes it was challenging as I was responsible for a number of different programs but at the same time it presented a lot of opportunities which became highlights for me, such as managing an AFL 9s competition and running an Auskick centre,’ said Josh.

After impressing his colleagues with his passion and hard work Josh was too good to let and go and was offered a full-time role.

‘I don’t think any of this would’ve been possible without the Young Leaders Program. They trained me to be a leader in the AFL industry and to learn the traits and skills of a Development Coordinator.’

‘It didn’t just set me up for a career, it actually provided me with a career.’

DATE: 2nd of May 2017 
AUTHOR: Marissa Pagliarello
IMAGE: Josh Rozairo