Except when it’s not.
Sometimes, you’re just playing to get better — to grow your skills with your peers as you eye off your future in the game.
For football’s governing bodies, improving the game at the community level is as important as what is happening in the AFL.
That’s where the Next Generation Academy system comes into play.
In recent weeks, juniors from across the region have participated in Academy Challenge matches, signalling the end of a 10-week training block.
AFL Goulburn Valley elected to send two under 13 and 14 teams to the event held in Swan Hill, with teams selected based on their TAC Cup alignments with Bendigo Pioneers and Murray Bushrangers.
‘‘The primary purpose for us is to strengthen community football,’’ region development manager Trevor Mellington said.
‘‘We want to help the kids develop their football skills but there is also a strong focus on life skills.
‘‘The program hopes to develop future leaders, who can set the standard for their local club.’’
In the teams selected from the Echuca region, the Murray Bombers had the greatest representation with 18 players, Moama was next best with seven, while United had two players selected.
During the two-day event, the two sides faced off against teams from the Central Murray, Sunraysia and Shepparton catchments with games producing varying results.
But AFL Goulburn Murray decided to go a step further by playing an extra game between the Echuca and Shepparton sides on Easter Monday at Rochester.
‘‘It’s important that kids are playing as much football as possible at this age,’’ Mellington said.
‘‘The more high quality competition is, the better our community competitions will be going forward.’’
Already it looks as if the future is bright for the competition.
You just need to ask co-coach of the under 14 team Phillip Evans, who has been involved in the program for several years.
‘‘Every year the quality of the kids amazes me,’’ he said.
‘‘The respect they have for the game is unbelievable.
‘‘All of them want to put in the hard work.’’