Building The Nest
Our Vision for a Stronger Club, a Stronger Community.
AGM Meeting @ Magpie Sports Skyline Room - Tuesday 21st October
All committee roles are up for nomination. No experience needed — just a passion for the club.
Our Why
Every great club has a story.
Ours begins with a simple dream: TO BUILD A NEST.
The 'Nest' is more than just our home ground; it's the core of our identity. It's the nurturing environment where our kids grow, where parents feel connected, and where everyone feels like they belong to the Magpies family. Our purpose is to build the best 'Nest' in junior sport—a place where we foster a lifelong love for the game AFL and our community.
Our Vision
To be the destination AFL club for the Inner West, a place where we nurture every player and strengthen the bonds of our Magpies family.
The Preferred Destination Club
This is a club people actively want to be a part of. We are the first choice for families, not just for what we do on the field, but for the entire welcoming, safe, and positive experience we offer.
Nurturing Every Player
We are committed to the holistic development of each child. We focus on life skills like teamwork, sportsmanship, and resilience, ensuring every player grows in confidence and feels a sense of accomplishment.
A Stronger Family
We are a respected and integral part of the Inner West. We build a vibrant community hub that brings people together, supported by dedicated volunteers and strong partnerships with local schools and businesses.
Our 2026 Game Plan
1. Nurture Our Players
Growing the Magpies. We will deliver the best environment for our young athletes by investing in accredited coaches, offering specialised skills clinics, and creating player-centric development programs.
Key Actions:
- Invest in our coaches through workshops on positive coaching techniques and skills development.
- Invest in our coaching culture; and holistic player development.
- Introduce skills clinics and development programs tailored to all age groups and skill levels.
- Introduce a formal player development pathway.
Roles Responsible:
2. Welcome Our Families
Expanding the Family. We will strengthen our club by creating a welcoming and inclusive space for everyone. This means hosting regular social events, formally recognising our volunteers, and providing a seamless onboarding experience for new members.
Key Actions:
- Provide simple catchup opportunities at the 'Nest' for parents to interact; host regular social events like season kickoffs and family picnics to connect families beyond the sidelines.
- Create a formal way to recognise the incredible contributions of our volunteers.
- Develop a simple "New Family Welcome Pack" with key dates, contacts, and club values.
Roles Responsible:
3. Strengthen Our Community
Securing the Nest. We will solidify our role in the Inner West by partnering with local businesses, hosting a "Magpies Community Day" for a local cause, and building a strong network of past players and supporters.
Key Actions:
- Collaborate with local businesses for mutually beneficial outcomes.
- Organise a one-off event where we partner with a local charity or run a fundraiser for a community cause.
- Re-engage former players and members to strengthen the history and legacy of the Magpies.
Roles Responsible:
Additional Roles Across All Pillars
To achieve our vision, we need a dedicated team working behind the scenes. These crucial supporting roles ensure the smooth operation of our club, from managing finances and communications to growing our digital presence. Each role is vital to building and strengthening our Nest.
Activating the Nest
Internal Advocate Strategy
Leverage the positive experience of existing members to attract new ones.
- Empower current families to be ambassadors through a "Bring a Friend" campaign.
- Create a simple referral program with incentives like merchandise vouchers.
- Host a "Meet the Magpies" Open Day during the pre-season for prospective families.
Community Presence Strategy
Raise the club's profile to become the first choice for sports in the Inner West.
- Establish partnerships with local primary schools to run free "taster" sessions.
- Have a presence at local fetes, markets, and festivals with "come and try" activities.
- Distribute eye-catching flyers and posters in strategic community locations.
Digital Magnet Strategy
Ensure the club is easy to find online and makes a great first impression.
- Maintain an up-to-date, easy-to-navigate website with a clear "Join Now" process.
- Use targeted social media ads to reach families in the Inner West.
- Keep an updated Google My Business profile so the club appears in local searches.
Retention Strategy
Keep the Nest full by ensuring our current members feel valued and connected.
- Create a warm and welcoming onboarding process for all new families.
- Keep all members informed through a regular newsletter with positive stories and key dates.
- Implement a simple feedback survey at the end of the season to drive continuous improvement.
Our Growth Targets
3-Year Vision (2029)
To establish a thriving and consistent junior pathway with a formalised coaching and volunteer development program.
| Program | Target |
|---|---|
| Auskick (U4-U5) | 20 Participants |
| Superkick (U6-U7) | 6 Teams / 60 Participants |
| Boys Teams (U8-U17) | 8 Teams / 96 Participants |
| Girls Teams (U9-U17) | 4 Teams / 60 Participants |
| Total | 12 Teams / 236 Participants |
Key Strategic Pillars
- Pathway Establishment & Recruitment: Focus on building a strong Auskick and Superkick pipeline.
- Coaching & Development: Implement a Club Coaching Philosophy (CCP) and tiered training.
- Volunteer Infrastructure: Grow the volunteer base by 50% and establish succession plans.
- Club Culture: Foster an inclusive, fun, and highly supportive environment.
5-Year Vision (2031)
To become the first choice junior AFL club in the region, achieving full pathway coverage with best-in-class coaching.
| Program | Target |
|---|---|
| Auskick (U4-U5) | 40 Participants |
| Superkick (U6-U7) | 8 Teams / 80 Participants |
| Boys Teams (U8-U17) | 10 Teams / 150 Participants |
| Girls Teams (U9-U17) | 5 Teams / 75 Participants |
| Total | 15 Teams / 345 Participants |
Key Strategic Pillars
- Full Pathway Coverage: Successfully launch and maintain teams in all 14 targeted age groups.
- Excellence in Development: Achieve over 85% player retention and become a key feeder club.
- Community Hub Status: Establish formal partnerships with local schools and groups.
- Sustainability & Equity: Secure facilities and ensure equitable resources for all programs.
Join The Flock
We offer programs for kids from ages 4 to 17, from their first kick in Auskick to competitive youth AFL.
Whether you're just starting out or ready for the next level, there's a place for you in our Nest.