Hawthorn Football Club has committed three-quarters of a million dollars to AFL Tasmania to ensure the future of community football in the State.

The five-year deal has seen the establishment of a new Community Football Department at AFL Tasmania, employing two full-time staff who will operate state-wide.

The department will initially focus on participation growth in all regions of Tasmania and the delivery of AFL Diversity Programs across the State - specifically indigenous, multi-cultural and female football activities.

Hawthorn CEO Stuart Fox said the Club and AFL Tasmania share an overriding common objective of strengthening grassroots football in Tasmania.

“The Club sees this as an opportunity to maintain and build on our community presence in Tassie through our wonderful partnership with AFL Tasmania,” Fox said.

“We consider Tasmania our home away from home, and are committed to developing football at community level to ensure football in Tasmania remains strong.”

AFL Tasmania Chief Executive Scott Wade said Hawthorn’s funding will go a long way in helping develop Tasmanian football at the grassroots level.

“Community, club and school football is the foundation of our great game and it plays an especially important role in the fabric of our society in Tasmania,” Wade said.

“Hawthorn’s significant financial contribution to Tasmanian football has already resulted in two locals being employed full-time in roles dedicated to growing the game, and supporting the many volunteers that put their heart and soul into providing youngsters with the opportunity to experience the benefits of AFL.”

The agreement runs until the end of the 2016 AFL Premiership season.

- Photo courtesy King Island Press.