North Melbourne Named the Inaugural Winner of the Jim Stynes Club Community Program

The Jim Stynes Foundation is proud to award The Huddle, a community initiative of the North Melbourne Football Club, as the inaugural winner of the 2025 Jim Stynes Club Community Program Award.

Recognising excellence in AFL club-driven community programs that demonstrate meaningful social impact and engagement, the award was announced today at the Play It Forward Luncheon, which brought the football community together to celebrate the positive impact of the game beyond the football field.

North Melbourne Football Club was selected from a strong field of club submissions for The Huddle’s longstanding commitment to empowering young people from diverse backgrounds through education, sport, and innovation.

With four key programs including, STEM-focussed excursions, leadership workshops, and inclusive junior sport sessions, The Huddle has been celebrated for its ability to create safe, empowering spaces for young people to learn, connect, and thrive.

AFL CEO Andrew Dillon said “Community is at the heart of our game, and The Huddle stands as a leading example of how clubs can drive genuine impact beyond the field," said Dillon.

“North Melbourne’s commitment to young people through The Huddle is inspiring, and this recognition is a testament to the work they’ve done to build inclusive, future-focused programs that make a real difference.”

“I’d like to thank the AFL clubs for taking the time to thoughtfully prepare and submit their nominations, and the Jim Stynes Foundation for formally recognising the impact of these programs.”

Chair of the Jim Stynes Foundation, Russel Howcroft said “The Huddle truly embodies the mission of the Jim Stynes Foundation – harnessing the power of football to create lasting and positive change,” Howcroft said.

“It’s a standout example of what can be achieved when clubs commit to their communities with purpose and care.

“As the inaugural recipient of the award, the North Melbourne Football Club sets a high benchmark, and I have no doubt Jim would be immensely proud.”

The Jim Stynes Foundation acknowledges Collingwood Football Club (Magpie Nest), Adelaide Crows (Kuwa Circles), and Fremantle Dockers (Kimberley Connected and Kimberley 9s) as finalists for their programs supporting homelessness, Indigenous youth empowerment, and wellbeing in remote Western Australia.

Chaired by Trisha Squires, Head of AFL QLD & International, the submissions were reviewed by the Jim Stynes Community Leadership Award Committee. The 11-person panel comprised of respected leaders from the AFL, media and community sectors, including representatives from the AFL, AFLPA and the Stynes Family.

The Jim Stynes Club Community Program Award is a new initiative in 2025. Each AFL club was invited to nominate a program that demonstrated excellence in community engagement and created genuine social change.

The winning club receives $10,000, thanks to McLardy McShane and the Jim Stynes Foundation, to support the ongoing delivery of their program or their chosen charitable partner.