Volunteers are the lifeblood of community football clubs.

NOMINATIONS are now open across Australia for the 2026 Toyota AFL National Volunteer of the Year Awards, with local clubs and leagues encouraged to start nominating their beloved community members.

Coinciding with National Volunteer Week, nominations officially open today and close Monday 6 July 2026, with 14 categories available to enter spanning across coaching, umpiring, disability and inclusion, cultural diversity, media, schools and participation programs.

Thanks to the AFL's Premier Partner Toyota, the national winners will receive a money can't buy 2026 Toyota AFL Grand Final experience, enjoying the atmosphere of the last Saturday in September and participate in the Toyota Grand Final Parade.

Additionally, two winners nationally will walk away with a brand-new Toyota vehicle including:

  • Toyota AFL Community Volunteer of the Year – Toyota Corolla Hatch SX Hybrid
  • Toyota AFL Young Leader of the Year – Toyota Yaris Cross GX 2WD Hybrid

Each state and territory association will award local winners in each category at the end of the season, with those recipients then considered for national titles.

AFL Executive General Manager Game Development, Rob Auld said:

"Footy clubs are the heartbeat of communities across Australia, and the Toyota AFL National Volunteer of the Year Awards are an important opportunity to recognise the volunteers who go above and beyond for their club," Auld said.

"We want everyone to love and connect with Australia’s game, and for many people, local footy clubs are where a lifelong connection to the game begins, which is only possible because of the passionate volunteers who give their time each week to support their club and community.

"On behalf of the AFL, we thank Toyota for its continued support of grassroots football and for helping us celebrate the incredible contribution volunteers make across the country.

"We're fortunate to have more than 200,000 volunteers nationwide dedicating their time. From coaching and umpiring, to coordinating NAB AFL Auskick and running the canteen, they help clubs thrive and create a strong sense of community."

Toyota Australia Chief Marketing Officer, Vin Naidoo, said Toyota is proud to recognise the volunteers who are at the heart of community football.

"Volunteers are the backbone of grassroots footy, and the Toyota AFL National Volunteer Awards recognise the incredible contribution they make to their clubs and communities. Congratulations to all of this year’s nominees," said Naidoo.

As the league strives to have 1 million participants by 2033, there are currently more than 200,000 volunteers nationally who make the game possible for so many. In 2025, the AFL received nearly 3,700 nominations nationally for the Toyota AFL National Volunteer of the Year Awards, which is a 7.5 per cent year-on-year increase.

2026 Toyota AFL National Volunteer of the Year Award categories:

  • TOYOTA AFL Community Volunteer of the Year
  • TOYOTA AFL Young Leader of the Year
  • TOYOTA AFL Community Club of the Year
  • NAB AFL Auskick Volunteer of the Year
  • AFL Disability Inclusion Ambassador of the Year
  • AFL Diversity National Ambassador of the Year
  • AFL National Community Umpiring Service Award
  • AFL National Community Football Media Award
  • AFL National Community Football Photography Award
  • AFL Community Coach of the Year (Women)
  • AFL Community Coach of the Year (Men)
  • AFL Schools – Teacher of the Year
  • AFL Schools – School of the Year
  • NAB AFL Superkick Volunteer of the Year

To learn more and submit a nomination, visit: https://play.afl/toyota-afl-national-volunteer-awards

Select the relevant State / Territory to access the relevant nomination form and read the criteria details for each category as well as the Terms and Conditions.