Club Connect Club of the Month

The VAFA Club Connect Club of the Month award is back in 2026, recognising a club who best exhibits the values of the VAFA — Respect, Inclusivity, Integrity and Community, through its actions both on and off the field. 

The Club of the Month for April/May is the Hawthorn Amateur Football Club, recognised for their strong display of the VAFA’s core value of Community.  

The club’s long-standing Wings Program, now entering its 16th year, remains one of community football’s leading examples of proactive mental health support. Through initiatives such as the recent Wings Goal-A-Thon, Hawthorn AFC has not only raised important funds for the Wings Mental Health Fund, but have also created opportunities for meaningful conversations around wellbeing and the importance of supporting one another. The Wings Program attracted media attention from Channel Nine, The Age, and Member for Hawthorn John Pesutto, who attended the Wings luncheon. 

Additionally, this year’s delivery of the Tackle Your Feelings program further demonstrated the club’s commitment to equipping players, coaches and volunteers with the confidence to recognise and respond to mental health challenges within their community.

Beyond mental health, Hawthorn AFC has been an outstanding partner of the VAFA, working collaboratively on fixture requirements, game allocations and football operations throughout the season. The club’s willingness to engage in wider initiatives, including community grant opportunities and the continued growth of women and girls’ football, reflects its commitment to creating an inclusive and thriving club environment. 

As recognition of the award, Hawthorn AFC will receive a $150 credit courtesy of Club Connect to restock their canteen/drinks fridge.  

“Hawthorn AFC are honoured to be recognised as the VAFA Club Connect Club of the Month. This recognition reflects the dedication of our volunteers, players, and club partners who continue to make the Wings Program such an important part of our club community, and reinforces our commitment to supporting mental health and creating meaningful connections both on and off the field.” — Club President Sam Waldron 

The VAFA would also like to acknowledge and commend West Brunswick AFC for its outstanding commitment to creating a safe, inclusive and socially responsible club environment. While success on the field is important, West Brunswick continue to demonstrate that community football clubs can play a powerful role in driving positive change beyond the game. 

Over recent weeks, the club has actively embraced and promoted a number of important awareness initiatives, including Tackle Your Feelings Round, BCNA Round, Pride Round, along with raising awareness for IDAHOBIT (International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia), and Wear Red Round in support of ending domestic and family violence.

Through social media campaigns, match-day activations and ongoing education, West Brunswick have consistently used their platform to raise awareness, foster understanding and encourage meaningful conversations within its community. By championing inclusion, respect, equality and wellbeing, the club continues to set a strong example. 

If you believe your club  has demonstrated 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 at [email protected] .