Former GIANT Setanta O’hAilpin will continue his career in the football industry in Sydney, with his appointment as the Multicultural Program Coordinator for AFL NSW/ACT.

Born in Bankstown in Sydney’s west before moving to Ireland at the age of five, O’hAilpin is of Fijian and Irish descent and was named as an AFL Multicultural Ambassador in 2013; working with the AFL NSW/ACT Multicultural Talent Programs throughout the season mentoring young players.

His new role is based in the Western Sydney region and will work closely with both the GIANTS and Swans to deliver multicultural talent and fan development outcomes.

AFL NSW/ACT Deputy General Manager Craig Bolton said O’hAilpin’s experience would be invaluable in his work with young multicultural players.

“Setanta’s experience as an AFL footballer and Multicultural Ambassador give him a great foundation for his new role with us at AFL NSW/ACT,” Bolton said.

“We’re really focused on providing opportunities for kids of all multicultural backgrounds the chance to get involved with the AFL, not just as players but as fans as well.

“Setanta will be able to share his experiences and knowledge of the game with a really broad range of participants, giving them first-hand insight into what our game is about.”

O’hAilpin said he was excited for the chance to work with the next generation of multicultural AFL talent.

“Over the past few years here in Sydney I have been so impressed with the ways the AFL is connecting with diverse communities and trying to engage people from all backgrounds,” O’hAilpin said.

“I think in the future we will be seeing some really exciting multicultural players coming from NSW and the ACT, and I am looking forward to working with the team to help develop the local talent.”

2013 was an extremely successful year for the AFL NSW/ACT Multicultural Program, with the NSW team winning the Unity Cup held in Melbourne; and eight multicultural participants invited to attend the National Multicultural Camp, three of whom were invited to participate in the Future Leaders mentoring program.

Sydney played host to the first ever NSW Bachar Houli Cup; and through funding from the Community Relations Commission was able to expand to southern NSW and implement programs in Wagga Wagga, Griffith and Albury, engaging more than 200 participants.