VAFA Staff Update

The VAFA wishes to advise that General Manager – Community & Club Support, Mr Sean Walker, has accepted a position with Rugby Australia as Senior Club Development Manager and will depart the VAFA on Friday 15th November.

Sean first joined the VAFA as Club Development Manager in May 2021, just before the 2021 season was cancelled due to COVID.

Sean was elevated to the role of General Manager – Community & Club Support in 2023 after the development of the VAFA Strategic Plan which saw the creation of the Community & Club Support pillar and department.

CEO Jason Reddick commented “Sean has made an important and valuable contribution to the VAFA and our Clubs in providing resources and support at a critical time when our Clubs have been dealing with many post-COVID challenges such as reduced volunteerism, changes in player commitment levels, and increased strains on financial resourcing.

Sean has also been responsible for initiating and facilitating a number of Community partnerships and initiatives that align with our VAFA Club values. Sean has developed many new skills in his VAFA role and now takes the next step in his career, moving onto a national sporting platform with our blessing, to continue to deliver great outcomes in community sport.”

Sean provided the following reflections: “Over the last 4 seasons I have enjoyed every day that I have come to work, the opportunity to work with like-minded people has made my time at the VAFA very enjoyable with the football industry being a great place to work. Being able to talk with people at our clubs about what’s going on at their club has been a highlight of the role with many genuine friendships and connections developed during my time at the VAFA. Upon reflection I am very proud of my contributions including the introduction of additional full-time roles in Club Support, the inception of the Player Assistance Program and the evolution of our partnerships with our fantastic Community Partners. I will continue to be a fan of the VAFA and watch from afar and continue to watch the association go from strength to strength.

The VAFA will look to appoint a replacement for Sean in the coming weeks. In the meantime, Club Support Manager Pranav Menon (pranav@vafa.com.au) is available for all Club Support matters that Clubs may have.