Rouse takes the reins

TAKING on the chair of South East Juniors (SEJ), the league announced this week the appointment of James Rouse.
Mr Rouse will replace Roger Hampson as Chair, who after five years of service, has taken up a role with the South East Commission.
“I am incredibly passionate about young people and ensuring they have high quality opportunities to be participating in sport.” Mr Rouse said.
This passion emanates from a background in teaching, local government sport development and leisure management. Mr Rouse has a great understanding and knowledge of the local area, having worked for the City of Casey for the past 11 years in a variety of roles.
“I am very well aware of the significant growth and demographic change that is occurring in this part of South East Melbourne,” Rouse said.
“I see the SEJ as being in a very strong position to move forward and continue to grow junior football in the area… I want to see the league continue with our already documented strategic plans.
“Our continued focus will be to work with and support clubs to further develop and enhance their capacity, working through the AFL Club Accreditation Program.”
Mr Rouse has previously served on the SEJ board for five years, having been approached by AFL Victoria in 2009 to participate in the working group that was established to reinvigorate and strengthen the then named DDJFL into the thriving league we have today.
Getting the opportunity to work alongside some former board members and overseeing a new group of youth development motivates Mr Rouse greatly and reflects on this time with the league fondly.
“The experience of working on the board was an interesting challenge and I am highly motivated about the prospect of being involved again, this time as Chairman,” Rouse said.
“The board has a great balance of skills and experience, whilst the staff is also highly qualified.
“Collectively our focus is to ensure that more and more boys and girls are playing football through the SEJ.
The SEJ would also like to take this opportunity to thank Mr Hampson for his service to the league.
“Roger has overseen significant change at the league including the adoption of a new governance and administration structure and the adoption of a new league name and brand,” SEJ General Manager Shaun Connell said.
“The league is indebted to his dedication and visionary approach which has seen the SEJ the envy of leagues across the state and this region.
“It has been a pleasure to work with Roger and I see him as real mentor to myself and look forward to keeping in touch.”