BREAKING NEWS: Following the conclusion of Round 5 with the upcoming North Melbourne team, the Brisbane Lions Football Club management and their main partner Youi will return to fully support the Cherbourg youth team, with the participation of AFLW players Jade Ellenger and Shanae Davison, promising an exciting football festival for local children during the summer holidays!
In a heartwarming display of community commitment that transcends the competitive pressures of the AFL season, the Brisbane Lions have reaffirmed their dedication to grassroots football and Indigenous youth development. Fresh from navigating the rigors of Round 5 ahead of their clash with North Melbourne, the club’s management, alongside principal partner Youi, has once again turned their focus to the Cherbourg community, delivering a vibrant football festival designed to inspire the next generation of young athletes.
This latest initiative, which unfolded on Tuesday during the school holidays, saw Lions representatives return to Cherbourg, a proud Aboriginal community in Queensland known for its rich cultural heritage and passion for sport. The event centered on an Auskick clinic, a flagship junior program by the Australian Football League that introduces children to the fundamentals of Australian Rules football in a fun, inclusive environment. With AFLW stars Jade Ellenger and Shanae Davison taking center stage, the day was filled with high-energy drills, skill-building sessions, and plenty of laughter, creating memories that will linger long after the final siren.
Cherbourg, located in the South Burnett region, has long been a focal point for the Lions’ community outreach. The club’s previous visits, including a notable Guernsey Swap Program, have strengthened bonds between the professional team and local residents, fostering cultural exchange and mutual respect. This return visit underscores a sustained partnership, proving that the Lions’ support is not a one-off gesture but a genuine investment in the community’s future.
Youi, the club’s principal partner, has been instrumental in making these programs possible, aligning their brand values of support and accessibility with the club’s mission to grow the game at all levels.
Jade Ellenger, a dynamic midfielder known for her precision and leadership on the field, brought infectious enthusiasm to the clinic. Having established herself as a key player in the Lions’ AFLW setup, Ellenger used the opportunity to connect with young girls in particular, sharing stories of perseverance and the importance of staying active. “It’s days like this that remind us why we play,” Ellenger remarked during the event. “Seeing the kids’ faces light up when they nail a kick or mark the ball perfectly – that’s pure joy.
Football can open so many doors, and we want every child here to know they have the talent and support to chase their dreams.”
Complementing her was Shanae Davison, whose breakout performances in recent seasons have showcased her intercepting prowess and defensive reliability. Davison’s approachable demeanor made her a favorite among the participants. She led small-sided games and provided personalized coaching tips, emphasizing teamwork and resilience – qualities that mirror her own journey in elite women’s football. The presence of these two AFLW talents not only elevated the event’s profile but also served as powerful role models, particularly for young Indigenous girls who may not always see themselves represented at the highest levels of the sport.
The festival extended beyond basic footy drills. Organizers incorporated cultural elements, including traditional games, storytelling sessions about Aboriginal football heroes, and healthy eating workshops sponsored by Youi. Local families gathered at the Cherbourg Sports Complex, enjoying food stalls, music, and opportunities to interact with Lions staff. AFL Queensland played a pivotal role in coordinating the event, ensuring it aligned with broader state-wide efforts to boost participation in regional and remote areas.
For many children in Cherbourg, access to structured sports programs can be limited due to geographic and socioeconomic factors. Initiatives like this one address those barriers head-on, providing equipment, coaching expertise, and inspiration that might otherwise be out of reach. Parents and community leaders have praised the Lions for their consistent engagement, noting visible improvements in youth confidence and physical fitness following previous visits. One local elder commented, “The Lions coming back shows our kids that they matter. It’s not just about kicking a ball; it’s about building stronger futures.”
This community-focused pivot comes at a strategic time for the Brisbane Lions. Having concluded their Round 5 preparations for the North Melbourne matchup, the club is balancing the demands of a grueling AFL season with meaningful off-field contributions. The Lions sit competitively in the ladder, but their leadership recognizes that true success encompasses more than premiership points. By investing in youth development, they are nurturing potential talent pipelines while fulfilling corporate social responsibility goals shared with partners like Youi.
The impact of such programs is measurable and far-reaching. Auskick clinics have historically increased junior registrations in participating communities by significant margins, with long-term benefits including reduced youth disengagement and enhanced cross-cultural understanding. In Cherbourg, where football is deeply woven into the social fabric, this festival promises to spark renewed interest in both boys’ and girls’ pathways, potentially feeding into local clubs and state representative teams.
As the summer holidays continue, the excitement generated by this event is palpable. Children left the grounds clutching autographed memorabilia, new footballs, and a renewed sense of possibility. For the Brisbane Lions and Youi, it represents another successful chapter in their ongoing commitment to regional Queensland. Plans for future collaborations are already in discussion, with whispers of expanded programs that could include coaching accreditation for local volunteers and scholarships for promising talents.
In an era where professional sports organizations are increasingly scrutinized for their community impact, the Brisbane Lions stand out as a beacon of positive engagement. Their return to Cherbourg, powered by dedicated AFLW ambassadors and steadfast partnership support, highlights the unifying power of sport. As one young participant exclaimed while chasing a loose ball across the oval, “I want to be just like Jade and Shanae one day!”
This football festival is more than an event – it is a promise kept. A promise that even amidst the high-stakes world of elite AFL competition, the heart of the game remains in the grassroots, where dreams are first kicked into life. The Brisbane Lions, Youi, and the Cherbourg community have once again demonstrated that when clubs and partners come together with purpose, the real winners are the children who get to play, learn, and aspire under the southern sun.