VAFA Club Connect Club of the Month – May

The VAFA Club Connect Club of the Month award recognises a VAFA club who through its actions both on and off the field, best exhibits the values of the VAFA, namely Respect, Inclusive, Integrity and Community. 

Fitzroy Football Club has been named the VAFA Club Connect Club of the Month for May in recognition of their strong display of the VAFA’s core value of Community and Respect. 

The clubs nominated by VAFA Management in May were: 

Old Scotch 

Old Scotch FC has shown exceptional leadership and collaboration in supporting the launch of the VAFA Women’s Academy Series. Partnering with VAFA, MUWFC, and Westbourne, the club has actively driven initiatives to develop Women & Girls coaches, including hosting a Coach Your Way session early in the season. Their proactive engagement with the VAFA Club Development Team through regular meetings has highlighted their commitment to learning about community programs that support club growth. These efforts reflect Old Scotch’s dedication to expanding opportunities for women in football, while also exploring innovative ways to increase revenue and strengthen their club’s future. 

Fitzroy 

Fitzroy has demonstrated outstanding camaraderie and flexibility in supporting Beaumaris’ ‘Shining Bright for Holly & Bianca’ tribute event, accommodating an extended bench and embracing the fundraising initiative with genuine care. The Fitzroy Women’s teams took remarkable independent action, raising $1,600 to honour Holly and Bianca, showing deep respect and solidarity with the Beaumaris FC community. Beyond this, Fitzroy is consistently active in community programs, including Tackle Your Feelings, the Container Deposit Scheme, AFL Vic Women & Girls initiatives, and themed awareness rounds. The club has also been proactive in supporting the VAFA’s Community & Club Support Department by generously offering their facilities to host coach education sessions for VAFA coaches throughout the season. The club’s strong engagement and leadership across these areas firmly position Fitzroy as one of the most community-driven clubs in the VAFA. 

Masala Dandenong 

Masala has shown exceptional commitment and enthusiasm in their engagement with the VAFA. Since late 2024, the club has worked closely with VAFA management to strengthen their financial position through budgeting support, grant applications, and involvement in key community programs. From the beginning of the 2025 season, Masala has led from the front—prioritising grants & fund-raising programs, player wellbeing through the Tackle Your Feelings program and promoting the VAFA Player Assistance Program. A recent highlight saw the club host Fifi, Fev, and Nick in one of their biggest-ever days, drawing close to 2,000 spectators and showcasing their strong community connection and growth. The VAFA is confident that the club is heading in the right direction and will fully support them in their growth. 

As recognition of their award, the Fitzroy Football Club receive a $150 credit courtesy of Club Connect to restock their canteen/drinks fridge. When told about the award, club President David Leydon said “The Fitzroy Football Club is very pleased to receive this award. We have a long and proud history on the field over the last 142 years, but we are just as proud of our clubs off field engagement with players, supporters and the wider VAFA and Australian Rules community. Whether it be in player well-being, providing a welcoming and inclusive environment or other important programs such as mental health our club strives to be the best.  

But the VAFA community is vast, and we are also very pleased to be able to help out and be involved in the many great initiatives of our Comrade clubs. That’s what local community football is all about” 

If you believe your club demonstrates the values of the VAFA and would like to share the great work happening at your club, please email VAFA Club Support Manager, Pranav Menon ([email protected]) 

VAFA VALUES: COMMUNITY | RESPECT | INTEGRITY | INCLUSION