By Mark Perriman
Wilston Grange has been awarded Gold Level status in the Swisse Quality Club Program, with the additional honour of being the first Queensland club to reach the top tier.
The Gorillas were recognised by the AFL for their excellence in club administration, as well as their positive contribution to the local community.
Wilston Grange President Brett Gillett said that he felt the program gave clubs the incentive to strive for greater heights.
“Many clubs don’t even realise they’re capable of getting accredited,” said Gillett.
“But as a footy club, we’ve got to make ours different, and it really gives us a step-up from others to be able to show that Gold level”.
As Queensland’s ninth accredited club and first Gold level, Wilston Grange has made a rapid ascent to the top of the pack.
The Swisse Quality Club Program is made up of Gold, Silver and Bronze levels.
The AFL, in conjunction with Swisse, award benefits to clubs who demonstrate exceptional club administration, while also making positive contributions to the wider community
And with each new level, the AFL provides clubs with additional benefits that include promotional and ticketing incentives, as well as additional training and coaching resources for those who reach Gold level status.
By supplying these benefits, the AFL seeks to incentivise improvements to club operations and community engagement, with the hope of improving the quality of grassroots footy.
Gillett says the positive impact of the program has been “enormous” given the club’s public engagement.
“We’re not just a footy club – we are doing so much good for the community,” said Gillett.
“We’re running education programs and in amongst other little things a club should do.”
Gillett acknowledges broader benefits of the Swisse Quality Club Program, and believes it to be positive means of strengthening the code’s appeal.
“It’s fantastic – a great idea, a great initiative,” said Gillett.
“It’ll make footy clubs better, which will make Aussie Rules better, and give us a leg-up on our competition.”
Click here for more information on the Swisse AFL Quality Club Program
