The Friends of Ainslie initiative is a significant step the Ainslie Football Club is putting in place to ensure that the club’s legacy is not only preserved but actively carried forwards for generations to come.  Friends of Ainslie provides a network for past and present members to stay connected and an avenue to contribute support for future club projects.

The first of these projects is already complete, with the upgraded Dani Curcio scoreboard along with the sound system to already improving the game-day experience for all at Alan Ray Oval. This development highlights the immediate impact the Friends of Ainslie initiative has already had on the club.

Back in March, the Club invited a selection of members to the exclusive launch of the AFC 100-year commemorative branding. It was at this event where the Friends of Ainslie was launched and the structured network of cohort convenors was established, with the objective to bring together players and members from across different generations and regions.

Representing the men’s program in the Canberra region:

  • Tony White (1960-70s).
  • Greg Vickers (1980s).
  • Ian Muir (1990s).
  • Nick Paine (2000-2019).
  • Todd Ford (Current Players).
  • Gavin Pound, Giles Tranter and Tom Lemmon (Community Football Convenors).

Representing the Women’s program in the Canberra region:

  • Kendelle Williams and Meredith Wells (1998-2016).
  • Dani Curcio (Current Players).

Beyond Canberra, the Friends of Ainslie network also extends interstate, ensuring the club remains connected with its wider football family.

  • Reece Conlan and Eric Stone (Victoria).
  • Sean Woodland and Ian Muir (NSW).
  • Bryan Holford and Aaron Wiles (Queensland).
  • Peter Neeson (WA).

Supporting the Friends of Ainslie initiative provides not only opportunities to stay connected with Ainslie but will ensure a long-term commitment to growing the club through real, tangible outcomes. Friends of Ainslie is about building a sustainable future, one that honours the past while embracing what comes next. It is open to anyone who wants to contribute, from former players and lifelong supporters to families, partners, and the wider community.

More information and details on how to join can be found at: https://asf.org.au/campaigns/ainslie-football-club/friends-of-ainslie

Oliver Nguyen

Journalism Intern, Ainslie Football Club