Battlefields to Footy Fields

The National Rugby League have developed a ground-breaking program called Battlefields to Footyfields. Transitioning from the defence force can be an up-hill battle, this program helps members through Rugby League create connections and learn skills that can make their transition into community a smother process.

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In serving the defence force, and in rugby league there is the common bond of being a member of a team. Battlefields to Footyfields provides veterans both current or ex-serving and their immediate family an opportunity to hone their newfound skills and participate in something that gives them a renewed sense of belonging.

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Due to our lasting partnership with ADF rugby league we found it important to create a program that can help current and ex-serving veterans connect more strongly with our game. In doing so it helps create lasting and meaningful connections between defence force and civilians, their families through Rugby League. It is a fully supported program including partnerships with ADFRL, RSL Australia and Gallipoli Medical Research Foundation.

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The program is open to current, ex-serving defence members and their immediate family.

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Deliver fully trained and accredited referees, sports trainers, coaches and volunteers to promote participation in rugby league through inclusion and healthy activities with a focus on connecting current, ex-serving defence members and their immediate family with the community.

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The program is delivered by a range of professionally trained staff in the areas refereeing, sports training, coaching and B2F community clubs.

Main points of contact include:- 

TROY BURGESS

Troy Burgess is the Project Officer for the Battlefields to Footy Fields Program and is a veteran himself.

During his military career he spent seven years with the 1RAR infantry battalion in Townsville and served in the Solomon Islands in 2006 and Afghanistan in 2007. He lives on the Sunshine Coast with his wife, son and daughter.

Troy’s a member of his local rugby league refereeing association and was introduced to refereeing as part of the NRL’s innovative ‘Battlefields to Footy Fields’ program, being one of the early graduates of the program.

For anyone looking to get involved, Troy will be your main point of contact in helping connect you with awesome opportunities in our great game.

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Are you an individual associated with the Australian Defence Force looking to get involved in Rugby League?

We'd love to hear from you!

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