Shane Frearson Joins USAFL Board

The USAFL Board is delighted to announce that Shane Frearson has joined the board as Sponsorship Director. This is an important Portfolio position and we are looking forward to taking advantage of Shane's expertise in this area.

We asked Shane to tell us a little about himself.....

I moved to the US (Maryland) with my wife Gail who has transferred here for three years with the Australian Government. I am 30 years old and have no kids as yet.

Our home town is Wagga Wagga (Country Town in NSW) but our primary place of residence is Canberra (A.C.T).

I played Football primarily in the Riverina and A.C.T. but also played in Victoria, Queensland and the Northern Territory (all in Country Leagues).

My involvement with Football in an administrative capacity began in Canberra whilst I was completing a degree in Sports Administration and Coaching. As part of this degree I spent some time at AFL Canberra working on various projects.

In my first year following Graduation I was employed as a Research Executive for Sponsorship Information Services in Canberra. My role was to compile reports detailing the exposure Sponsors were receiving from their involvement with sporting teams, competitions or events. Clients included national sporting governing bodies for such sports as AFL, Rugby League, Rugby Union, Tennis, Golf and Surfing.

In 2004 we moved to Central Australia (Northern Territory) to take up residence in Alice Springs. In January of 2004 I commenced employment as the Operations Manager with AFL Central Australia. This primarily involved managing the various senior competitions in Central Australia involving over 1600 participants (match operations, clearances, registrations, tribunal and enforcing By Laws). I was also fortunate to manage three AFL Regional Challenge Matches held in Alice Springs between 2004 and 2006 in which over 10,000 spectators attended on each occasion. However the highlight of my job was managing the weekly 'Community' competition which is restricted to remote Aboriginal Community participants. The style of footy these guys played was entertainment personified with their attack at all cost attitude. Many played in bare feet and without a doubt the best 'hangers' you are ever likely to see where taken on a weekly basis. It was Australian Football in its purist form.

I have also worked as a part time Stipendiary Steward in Thoroughbred Racing and Greyhound Racing for the past four years (Canberra and Alice Springs).

Apart from football, my favorite pastimes include generally trying to keep fit (running, cycling, swimming), hiking and camping or simply watching sport with the aid of a cold beverage.

For the next three years I hope to travel and experience as much of the US as time and money permits.

- Robert Oliver
(855)