Game Development Officer

Join the team shaping the future of Australia’s game.

This is your chance to do work that has real impact, in an organisation that moves fast, aims high and plays a meaningful role in the lives of millions across the country through football. Every role at the AFL helps progress the game, so more people can love it, connect with it and see what is possible through it.

Game Development Officer – Regional North NSW

The opportunity

As a Game Development Officer, you’ll play a vital role in connecting children, families and communities across Regional North NSW to Australia’s game. Through school programs, club-based activities and community events, you’ll create positive experiences that help kids build confidence, stay active and feel part of something bigger through team sport.

Working across the Central West, North West NSW, North Coast and Central Coast, this casual role offers variety, flexibility and the opportunity to make a meaningful local impact. You’ll represent the AFL in schools, clubs and community settings, helping grow participation and strengthen connections across the region.

Whether you’ve played Aussie Rules, rugby league, soccer, netball, cricket, or have no prior sporting experience, your experience is valuable with us. You don’t need to know AFL. You just need a love of sport, a positive attitude and a passion for helping kids stay active and connected through team sport.

What You’ll Own

As a key member of the AFL NSW/ACT game development team, you’ll help bring football to life across schools, clubs and community settings throughout Regional North NSW.

You’ll Add Value Through

• Delivering the Game: Run fun, skills-based sessions in schools and clubs. We’ll teach you the AFL activities, and you’ll bring the energy and engagement.
• Running Participation Programs: Deliver Auskick and Superkick programs that help kids build confidence, make friends and enjoy being active.
• Supporting Community Events and Game Days: Help create positive, welcoming experiences for children and families at community events, competitions and game days.
• Championing Inclusion: Support programs that create opportunities for multicultural communities, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander participants, girls and young women, and children of all abilities.
• Building Local Connections: Develop positive relationships with schools, clubs, families and community stakeholders to support participation and pathways into local football.
• Growing the Game: Promote the fun and accessibility of AFL by introducing children to the game, many for the first time.
• Getting Involved in Plenty More Fun: Assist with other local activations and activities that help more people love and connect with Australia’s game.

Who This Role Could Suit

This role is perfect for people who:

• Have coached, played, or worked in any sport and enjoy engaging with kids.
• Are studying education, sport science, or youth work and want hands-on experience.
• Are parents, carers, or anyone looking for flexible, meaningful work.
• Are seeking a career change that keeps them active and connected to their community.
• Want to give back and help kids build confidence and friendships through sport.

What You’ll Bring

• Experience working with children and young people, or confidence engaging with kids in a positive and energetic way.
• Strong verbal communication, presentation and interpersonal skills.
• Confidence delivering engaging activities to groups of varying ages and backgrounds.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
• Reliability, initiative and sound judgement when working in schools, clubs and community environments.
• A commitment to creating safe, positive and inclusive experiences for participants.
• Ability to build positive relationships with children, families, school staff, clubs and community stakeholders.
• Flexibility to work during school hours, before or after school, and occasionally during evenings and weekends.
• A current driver licence and access to reliable transport.
• A valid Employee NSW Working with Children Check, or willingness to obtain one.
• An openness to learning AFL activities and programs. Training and support will be provided.
• Experience in sport, coaching, education, youth work or community programs is desirable, but not essential.

Why you’ll love being on our team

At the AFL, you will be part of a values-led team that aims high, backs each other and brings energy, care and integrity to work that matters.

This is a place where people play to win, play as one team and play with passion, while always staying grounded in fairness, inclusion and respect. We work hard, support each other and create the conditions for our people to grow, perform and thrive.

What You Can Look Forward To

• Flexible Work That Fits Your Life: Hours vary depending on program periods, ranging from short school sessions to longer days during busy terms. Flexibility is key – some weeks may be busier than others, so if you’re adaptable and ready to jump in when needed, this role is for you.
• Variety in Your Week: Deliver programs during school hours, before and after school, and occasionally on evenings or weekends.
• Meaningful, Hands-On Impact: Help kids build confidence, friendships and a lifelong connection with sport.
• Be Part of Your Community: Work across schools, clubs and local events throughout the Central West, North West NSW, North Coast and Central Coast.
• Training and Support: You don’t need to be a footy expert. We’ll provide the training and support you need to deliver AFL activities with confidence.

Most Shifts Typically Occur

• During school hours for school programs and competitions
• Before or after school for Auskick and Superkick sessions
• Occasionally evenings or weekends for AFL Nines & community events

Everyone has a place here

Our game brings people together, and we want our workplace to do the same.

We are committed to building a culture of belonging and an environment where people feel respected, included and able to thrive, and where diversity of background, experience and perspective makes us stronger.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are encouraged to apply.

Whether you’re a footy fan or new to our game, we welcome everyone to apply. We know great candidates don’t always tick every box – if this role excites you, we encourage you to apply, even if your experience doesn’t perfectly match the job description.

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, this includes ensuring the successful candidate to this position holds a valid employee Working with Children/ Vulnerable People check and a satisfactory criminal history record check.

Ready to play your part?

If you’re passionate about sport, believe in the power of play, and want to make a difference in your community — apply now to help us bring active, inclusive programs to kids across Regional North NSW.

Once you apply, you’ll receive an email confirming we’ve got your application.

We will start reviewing applications ASAP with the interviews starting in late October/early November!