Territory AFL team taskforce to hold key stakeholder meeting

The work to secure the Territory’s first AFL team licence has kicked off.

THE work to secure the Territory’s first AFL team licence has kicked off, with key stakeholders meeting this week.

The assembled taskforce focused on key recommendations that would help establish the team.

Territory AFL team taskforce co-chairman Sean Bowden said the team would not only focus on success but ­inclusion.

“A Territory-owned AFL team will need to be a pathway and an inspiration to our young people and a major stimulus to the Territory economy,” Mr Bowden said.

“The hard work starts now with a taskforce whose members are industry leaders with experience at all levels of the game.”

The team will develop a plan to ensure the financial sustainability of the team, ­including long-term development pathways.

Support from land councils, the AFL, government and private sector will be required ­before the team could be ­established and learnings from the AFLNT’s feasibility study will help determine a strategic direction.

AFL team taskforce co-chairwoman Kate Worden said everyone wanted it to be a sustainable part of the Territory life, and a source of pride.

“Our vision is for the Territory team to become the pathway for young Territorians of all genders to achieve their dreams of playing for a local AFL team at the highest level,” Ms Worden said.

“We know that when the opportunity for an AFL ­licence becomes available, the Territory will need to be ready.”

The feasibility study commissioned in 2019 showed the Territory was in a position to use AFL as a way to positively address a number of social and community ­challenges.

The research demonstrates the NT community has an ­endearing affection for the sport, highlighted by the Territory having the highest per capita participation rate for Australian football of any state.

It made further recommendations to the facilities, finances and talent that the task­force would aim to address.

AFLNT chief executive Sam Gibson said an NT AFL team was about dreaming big and aspiring high.

Originally published as Territory AFL team taskforce to hold key stakeholder meeting