AFL Masters ACT returns in 2023 – Heart Mind & Soul Cup

AFL Canberra and AFL Masters ACT are excited to announce the return of Canberra’s AFL Masters competition kicking off this Friday night, 12 May 2023.

The foundation clubs ANU Griffins, Australian Command & Staff Course (ACSC) and the 2022 Premier team the Weston Creek Wildcats will be joined by the Belconnen Magpies to battle it out for the Elysium EPL Heart Mind & Soul AFL Cup. Players aged 35 and above will go head-to-head in a four-round fixture to be held under lights on Fridays at various Canberra venues.

The competition has expanded to welcome two new Women’s representative teams, the Southern Stars and the Northern Flames in addition to the continuing QuickKick introductory program being rolled out by Women’s Masters Development Officer Andi McGee across Canberra encouraging new players to participate.

The competition, in its third year, will be broadcasted live on CluchTV and is once again proudly supported by local Canberra business, Elysium EPL, an Australian professional services firm that works with government and industry organisations to improve business performance.

Elysium EPL Principal Brett Ackroyd said the company is proud to sponsor the competition for the second year running. “We have cultivated a people-first culture based on three core values which drive how we conduct ourselves and our business – with Ethos (credibility and ethics), Pathos (heart) and Logos (head),” said Brett, “Partnering with an organisation who shares these values through the heart, mind and soul theme is important to us, and we’re proud to be part of this community and another great season.”

Matthew Diglio, AFL Canberra Community Football & Competition Manager said “it is fantastic to be working with AFL Masters ACT again in 2023, to deliver the Heart Mind & Soul Cup. It is great to assist in delivering a competition for Masters aged Canberran footballers. I Would like to thank AFL Masters ACT for their hard work in getting this competition up and running, and thank Elysium EPL for their support again.”

President of the AFL Masters ACT Matt Gately said the growth of women’s Masters footy was just as exciting and important as the expansion of the men’s HMS Cup. Scheduled women’s games, sustained interest in the QuickKick program alongside the Belconnen Magpies coming into the competition were all encouraging signs for Masters footy in the ACT, he said.

He thanked Elysium EPL and AFL Canberra for helping to make this development possible through their ongoing support of Master’s football and providing pathways for footballers, male and female, to continue their love affair with the great game.

Round 1 Fixtures
Friday 12 May 2023 – Alan Ray Oval
5.30 Southern Stars vs Northern Flames
6.30 Wildcats vs Belconnen Magpies
8.00 ACSC vs ANU