Delivered in June every year, the giving day is a fundraising program that will reach all members and corporate clients in the Brisbane Lions community.
Centred around the Brisbane Lions Academy, First Class Consulting and Mailing will deliver this program, on the Lions behalf and will ensure the Academy message is delivered.
The Lions Academy is committed to promoting diversity, inclusion and mental wellbeing in the local community.
Providing opportunities for young players of all genders and backgrounds, the Lions Academy endeavours to develop their skills on and off the field.
‘All for One’ underpins everything the Lions stand for.
One of the key strategic pillars for the Lions Academy is to ensure not only are our participants leaving better athletes, but also leaving better people and having the skills to handle life's challenges.
The Lions Academy is a development and coaching program designed for aspiring AFL and AFLW players between the ages of 12 and 18 years – with a total of 42 players drafted to both the AFL and AFLW competitions.
Lions Academy Women’s head coach, Emma Zielke spoke to her experience within the academy and what it means to her.
“Having the opportunity to lead the academy's female programs has been a fantastic learning experience for me with my coaching,” she said.
“I am passionate about helping young athletes achieve their goals and enjoy the sport they love I love being a part of the academy for that reason.
“Taking part in Coates League games and playing against other academies gives me an insight into Queensland talent as well as nationally.
“Seeing the players grow in skill, confidence and knowledge makes me proud of the work I am doing.
“It gives me a great sense of satisfaction to watch them develop into stronger, more capable athletes.
“Being part of the academy has allowed me to make a real difference in the lives of these young athletes and I am passionate about continuing to do so.”
The Academy enables the Brisbane Lions to identify and nurture local talent within designated zoned areas throughout Queensland, constructing a pathway for young players to realise their potential in their chosen sport.
A total of 75 junior AFL clubs across Southeast Queensland are involved in the Brisbane Lions Academy zone.
There are key training hubs in Toowoomba, Coorparoo, Zillmere, Brendale, Maroochydore, Harvey Bay and Bundaberg.
Lions Academy manager, Bill Renner, understands how much impact events such as Giving Day have on the Academy as a whole and specifically those who live in regional areas.
“By giving the resources more attention in the regional areas we will grow the numbers of regional kids who make our final teams,” he said.
“Monique Corrigan lives in Howard (north of Maryborough) and Zoe Stone lives in Bundaberg.
“Both girls were part of our Under 16 team who travelled in the vicinity of 10-12 thousand kms to access our program.
“Kaitlyn Zelinski (Under 18 Girls), Penelope Bruce, Amelia Leigh and Sienna Wilson (Under 16 Girls) all live in Toowoomba and make the trek to Brisbane two to three times per week.”
The objective of the Academy is to support all junior clubs, coaches and volunteers across our Zones and improve the lives of our Academy participants.
Donations received by the Academy will go towards supporting regional athletes through scholarships to assist with travel costs, providing regional coaches with access to metro coaching courses, ensuring regional players have access to high performance strength and conditioning staff and facilities, education and performance equipment including GPS units.
All donations made will be matched dollar for dollar, also through our fundraising partnership with the Australian Sports Foundation all contributions will be tax deductible.
We hope that you'll show your support for the Lions by donating today!
