The Collingwood Football Club is delighted to announce a new community partnership with the Yarra Junior Football League (YJFL) that will strengthen football pathways and community engagement across north-east Melbourne.

This partnership will present a range of initiatives to support young footballers, coaches and local clubs, including coaching professional development, interleague program support for the YJFL, cultural awareness training and is part of the Club’s NGA zone.

Collingwood CEO Craig Kelly said:

“We’re incredibly honoured to deepen our connection with the Yarra Junior Football League and further support young footballers, their families and the community,” Kelly said.

“This partnership is especially meaningful for our family. Having had my kids grow up through the YJFL, I’ve seen firsthand the sense of belonging it gives young players. That’s what grassroots footy is all about.

“We don’t take lightly the impact we can have in helping grow and develop the game. We look forward to working with Dom, who is incredible in his work and supporting this pathway for years to come.”

The YJFL continues to be a key grassroots pathway for emerging talent, including Collingwood AFL players Darcy Moore, Josh and Nick Daicos, Jordan De Goey, Isaac Quaynor, Reef McInnes, Dan Houston Zac McCarthy and Jai Saxena as well as AFLW players Zara Neuwirth, Jemma Rigoni and Rising Star nominee Lucy Cronin.

Collingwood midfielder Ned Long said:

"I first played footy in Fitzroy with the YJFL, and that’s where I fell in love with the game. It’s awesome to see the Club supporting the league and giving kids like me a chance to grow and support young players."

For the upcoming season, the junior competitions in Under 8 and Under 9’s will be branded as ‘Future Magpies’, whilst all age groups will feature the Magpies logo on match balls, as well as representative team apparel.

Yarra Junior Football League CEO Dom Milesi said:

“As the league, we are incredibly excited to formalise this partnership with the Collingwood Football Club,” Milesi said.

“The partnership will help the YJFL continue to deliver vibrant football competitions for all juniors between eight and 18 years of age across the north-east corridor of Melbourne, much of which is Collingwood heartland.

“We thank Collingwood for their investment in community football, and we look forward to working together.”