Community Football

Community Football & Competition Manager - Sydney Seniors

Join to apply for the Community Football & Competition Manager - Sydney Seniors role at AFL - Australian Football League

About Us
The AFL works tirelessly in all states and at all levels to enhance and grow the game – from grassroots to elite. We put on the game, deliver important events, communicate with fans, run community programs, develop coaches and umpires, collaborate with partners, delight members, support clubs and more. Our roles may vary, but we are united by the goal to progress the game so that everyone can share in its heritage and possibilities.

The AFL is committed to promoting and protecting the safety and wellbeing of children and young people in our care. Please note, we undertake several screening processes to ensure this commitment is upheld, including ensuring the successful candidate holds a valid Working with Children/ Vulnerable People check and a satisfactory criminal history record check.

We are an Equal Opportunity employer and believe that diversity and inclusion is an important part of both the AFL and the communities in which we operate. Our game is for everyone, and we strive to be a workplace for everyone.

Purpose – Why This Role Matters

Are you ready to lead as the Community Football & Competition Manager for AFL Sydney Seniors? This role is responsible for the management, development and growth of the AFL Sydney Seniors competition spanning 15 competitions across Men's, Women's, Under 19.5 Men's, Under 20 Women's, and Masters football.

As a senior leader within the Greater Sydney and Northern NSW Community Football team, you'll play a critical part in ensuring the sustainability, success, and impact of community football in a key growth market. Based in Sydney with our head office at Moore Park, this opportunity places you at the heart of community football, shaping the future of the game across the region.

Day in the Life – What You'll Be Responsible For

In This Role, You'll

• Manage and deliver AFL Sydney Senior competitions — from the Home & Away season through to the League Finals Series and showcase events such as the Phelan-Mostyn Medal, ensuring a high-quality experience for participants, officials, umpires, and volunteers.
• Build strong relationships with AFL Sydney clubs and their leaders, particularly presidents and key decision makers.
• Connect and collaborate with internal teams across coaching, umpiring, and other key departments.
• Oversee elite development programs, including the Under 22 Summer Series and Senior Representative Programs.
• Shape the future of competitions by designing structures, implementing competitive balance initiatives, and driving long-term club sustainability.
• Administer and apply League rules in line with national guidelines, ensuring clarity and smooth change management.
• Partner with the AFL Game Development Engagement Team to provide education, support, and guidance to regional leagues and clubs.
• Act as a subject matter expert within the Hub team, contributing specialist knowledge in a collaborative environment.
• Manage the financial side of competitions — budgets, invoices, payments, and reporting.
• Be a mentor and role model for colleagues in the Greater Sydney and Northern NSW team.
• Contribute to strategic projects beyond core responsibilities, adding value across the business.
• Drive the growth of the competition by identifying and developing commercial opportunities for AFL Sydney Seniors.
• Oversee the delivery of communications across AFL Sydney social media platforms.

Our Ideal Team Member – Key Qualifications & Attributes

You'll thrive in this role if you:

• Bring advanced communication, relationship-building, and negotiation skills, paired with strong commercial acumen.
• Have proven operational and administrative management expertise.
• Are innovative, adaptable, and comfortable challenging the status quo to drive improvement.
• Can think and act strategically, making sound decisions even under pressure.
• Understand the sporting landscape, ideally with experience in community sport, football, or large-scale volunteer-based organisations.
• Have sharp attention to detail and the ability to deliver with accuracy.
• Possess skills in conflict resolution and can move matters forward constructively.
• Are prepared to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, in line with the demands of community sport.

Child Safety Standards

The AFL is committed to providing safe, professional, and enjoyable environments for children and young people in our game.

• Recruitment follows a 5-step process designed to be thorough, transparent, and robust, involving a mix of interviews and checks.
• Safety and compliance checks — including Working with Children Checks, Criminal Background Checks, and reference checks — are completed before employment begins.
• The AFL continually reviews and strengthens our child safety practices to meet all state and federal requirements.

Our Culture

Please visit www.afl.com.au/careers/our-organisation

The Perks

• Play The Day Your Way – a flexible approach to your working life
• My Development – development program with on-the-job training, coaching and mentoring, and formal learning
• Play Well – access to Health and Wellbeing program
• My Benefits – access to benefits and discounts
• AFL Silver Memberships – access to AFL matches at Marvel Stadium and the MCG for you and your family

Applications Close: 22 September 2025

Seniorities, Employment Type, and Job Function

• Seniority level: Mid-Senior level
• Employment type: Full-time
• Job function: Other

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Location: Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

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