The AFL is sharpening its focus on engagement with the Indian diaspora in Australia, with chief executive Andrew Dillon outlining participation, pathways and community connection as key priorities ahead of his upcoming visit to India.
“A strong focus for the AFL is to strengthen engagement with the Indian diaspora in Australia through fostering participation, building meaningful connections and celebrating cultural ties,” Dillon told The Indian Sun ahead of his trip to India.
The league’s strategy builds on a small but growing footprint at the elite level. To date, there have been 11 past players of Indian descent across the AFL and AFLW competitions, with three players currently listed on elite playing lists, including recent draftee Jai Saxena.
Improving talent pathways remains a focus, particularly through the Next Generation Academy, which seeks to increase multicultural participation across the game. There are currently nine players of Indian ancestry involved in the program.
“Away from the elite game Australian Football is a game for everyone and the league is committed to strengthening connection and participation of the Indian diaspora in Australian Football”
However, the AFL’s approach extends beyond elite representation. “Away from the elite game Australian Football is a game for everyone and the league is committed to strengthening connection and participation of the Indian diaspora in Australian Football,” Dillon said, pointing to initiatives such as the Cultural Diversity Action Plan, which was put into action late last year.
Community programs sit at the centre of that effort. Through the AFL Community Connect and Schools Connect programs, the league’s objective is to embed Australian football into neighbourhoods and schools in some of Australia’s most multicultural communities.
That work is being guided by a place-based approach, with a focus on 21 Local Government Areas nationally, including areas with large Indian-born populations. These include Wyndham, Hume, Dandenong, Casey, Monash, Ipswich and Parramatta.
As the AFL prepares to deepen its engagement with India, the emphasis remains on building sustained participation at home, using community sport as a way to reflect the changing face of Australia.
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