AFL Tasmania turns off funding to seven TSL clubs

It was exactly what the TSL clubs had been dreading. We can reveal the latest hit to our seven State League clubs.

TSL clubs had their financial lifeline severed on Friday when AFL Tasmania announced it had “paused” their annual funding.

The $100,000 grants promised by the AFL to compensate for Tasmania not having its own AFL team have now been taken away. Other State Leagues receive funding dividends through the AFL clubs in their states. This has also been stopped.

With no games due to the coronavirus lockdown and no income as a result, the clubs heard the latest bad news on a conference call with AFL Tasmania CEO Trish Squires yesterday afternoon.

“It is an extremely tough time for everyone in the Tasmanian community. The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted all aspects of our lives,” Squires said.

“All Tasmanian football is currently suspended until at least May 31, 2020 and at this stage, AFL Tasmania has temporarily paused funding to TSL clubs in-line with the suspension of play, an approach that has been undertaken nationally.

“Any contracted deliverables and obligations for TSL clubs have also been temporarily relieved.”

While there is no money for the clubs, Squires and manager of public affairs and infrastructure Damian Gill – AFL Tasmania’s only remaining paid employees – are happy to offer other support.

Even AFL Tasmania was not immune to the pandemic pain, standing down 33 of its staff last week for the duration of the coronavirus crisis.

“We acknowledge it is a challenging and unprecedented time for the broader community, which includes all sports organisations and clubs,” Squires said

“AFL Tasmania will be working with the seven TSL clubs, to assist in managing costs and to identify opportunities for relief.

“The TSL clubs have to date received over 30 per cent of their total grant funding for 2020 and we have great confidence in the leadership at all seven clubs in working through this challenging period.”