\nA lucky school was invited to AFL Max Melbourne last week, which is located next to URBNSURF and the Essendon Football Club. Photo: Essendon FC \/ Aiden Tilley<\/p>\n
The new AFL Max facility is open now in Melbourne. Photo: Essendon FC \/ Aiden Tilley<\/p>\n
AFL Max has opened the doors to its newest venue at Melbourne Airport during Toyota AFL Grand Final week, bringing its unique mix of footy, fun and learning to the heartland of Aussie Rules, just in time for the Victorian school holidays.<\/p>\n
Founded by AFL Premiership player James Podsiadly, and in collaboration with the AFL \u2013 AFL Max aims to get people active while fostering a love for the game through immersive, play-based learning and entertainment experiences.<\/p>\n
Located next to URBNSURF and adjacent to the Essendon Football Club, AFL Max Melbourne boasts a state-of-the-art indoor footy field, trampolines, climb zones, interactive screens and skill test attractions. It also features five purpose-built party rooms, a caf\u00e9 and full commercial kitchen \u2013 making it the perfect destination for families, schools and footy fans of all ages.<\/p>\n
Since opening the first AFL Max in South Australia in 2019, Podsiadly said opening a venue in Melbourne \u2013 the spiritual home of footy \u2013 during the game\u2019s biggest week of the year is an exciting and natural step in the AFL Max journey.<\/p>\n
\u201cOpening our second venue in the heartland of footy, during Grand Final week, is a massive moment for AFL Max,\u201d said Podsiadly, AFL Max CEO.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis has been years in the making, and we couldn\u2019t be more thrilled to finally bring AFL Max to Melbourne when the city is buzzing with footy fever.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019ve spent the last five years refining our offering and listening to customers in Adelaide, and we\u2019re ready to take it to new heights in Melbourne.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is a space where kids, families, and fans can get active, celebrate the game, and most importantly \u2013 have fun!<\/p>\n
\u201cAt this time of year, I am particularly reflective of my playing days and just how powerful sport is as a vehicle for delivering active learning experiences. Whether it\u2019s hosting school camps, birthday parties, or our footy skills programs, AFL Max is about creating lifelong memories through sport.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nA lucky school was invited to AFL Max Melbourne last week, which is located next to URBNSURF and the Essendon Football Club. Photo: Essendon FC \/ Aiden Tilley<\/p>\n
AFL Executive General Manager of Game Development, Rob Auld, said the launch of AFL Max Melbourne is a key milestone in the AFL\u2019s long-term vision to grow participation and improve access to high-quality facilities.<\/p>\n
\u201cFrom teaching kids the fundamentals of footy, to using the game as a platform for learning, AFL Max has created an innovative and inclusive space that brings footy to life in a whole new way,\u201d Auld said.<\/p>\n
\u201cAs we work towards our goal of one million participants by 2033, investment in community infrastructure and access to facilities are critical. AFL Max is a fantastic example of how we can reimagine footy spaces to inspire new and existing fans, ensuring everyone can find their way to play.<\/p>\n
\u201cAt a time when we\u2019re celebrating the elite game on the biggest stage during Toyota AFL Grand Final week, it\u2019s just as important to focus on the grassroots \u2013 and AFL Max plays a vital role in growing the game through fun, accessible and engaging experiences.<\/p>\n
\u201cOn behalf of the AFL, congratulations to James and the entire AFL Max team; we\u2019re proud to support their expansion into Melbourne and can\u2019t wait to see the impact this new venue will have.\u201d<\/p>\n
AFL Max has already hosted more than 25,000 students at overnight school camps in South Australia, and now aims to replicate that success in Victoria. Partnering with experts to deliver these important experiences to school students, the Melbourne venue will offer curriculum-aligned overnight camps, with a focus on leadership, wellbeing and mental health.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s been incredibly rewarding to see the positive impact of our school programs in South Australia, and we\u2019re excited to now bring that to Victorian students,\u201d adds Podsiadly.<\/p>\n
Whether you\u2019re a diehard footy fan, looking for a school holiday activity, or planning your next school camp, AFL Max Melbourne is ready to welcome you.<\/p>\n