Stu Haack Resignation

It is with mixed emotions that we advise of of the resignation of Stu Haack at Regional Coordinator of the Illawarra for AFL NSW/ACT.

Stu has recently accepted a new position as a Programs Manager with Wesley Mission in the Illawarra. Unfortunately for us, if we could have created a perfect role for Stu in terms of his skills and moreso his values and beliefs, this new role with WM would be it! It provides a great opportunity for him to further develop his leadership along with allowing him to support those in need, while also providing for his ever growing family of five boys (and of course wife Bec!). While he wasn’t looking to leave the AFL, some things just happen for a reason!

Stu has been a staple of AFL NSW/ACT for over 13 years now. Commencing with no AFL background as a part time Development Officer in 2006, Stu assisted Dave Johnson with school programs before securing a full time role in 2009.

Stu’s most significant contributions to the business and our region during his time has certainly been the growth and consolidation of school programs in the Illawarra. When Stu commenced the Illawarra had just two schools committing to paid programs. Since then, Stu has established the framework for what we have now. His ability to create and maintain a great working environment for his staff has seen longevity in their retention which speaks volumes about his approach, professionalism and values.

It is difficult to narrow down to just a few of the key achievements across 13+ years, but below is a start:

• The promotion and development work to support the establishment of the Albion Park Crows Football Club in 2007,
• Extraordinary participation growth (which in turn has led to exceptional community football growth) in particular:
  • 44% growth in Auskick since 2016,
  • 154% growth in School programs since 2015,
• Instrumental in the development and promotion of the new Youth Girls competitions in 2018 which has seen female football in the region grow faster than anywhere else in the country over the past two years (gone from 47 registered girls in 2017 to 385 girls last year) and led to a National Team Speccy award from Gil,
• The creation of the Calderwood Auskick centre in partnership with the Property Developer,
• Continued success in AFL 9s growth and competition establishment,
• Supported the development of some exceptional young trainee’s, including most recently Kieran Churchill,
• Support of Lindsay Park PS claiming the regions first ever Paul Kelly Cup title in 2018,
• Despite being a mild mannered individual, has won 12 straight South Coast ‘road rager’ of the year titles,
• Singlehandedly supported Campos coffee to remain in business.

Most importantly, Stu has been an absolute role model of the AFL values during his time in the business, highlighted by his two stints on the AFL values group which he currently sits on as the South Coast representative. His relationships with internal and external stakeholders are a key reason for his year on year success and will hold the code in good stead within the region for many years to come.

There is certainly big hole to fill in the South Coast team with Stu’s departure!

Stu’s last day with the AFL will be Friday, 21 February. Details on the recruitment for the role will follow shortly.

Please join us in wishing Stu well in his move to Wesley Mission, and thank him for his extensive service to our great game in the region.

 

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