Telstra and The Australian Football League are launching the “This Is Footy Country” campaign to shine a light on grassroots sport that is often under-resourced and under-appreciated. Campaign creative and delivery via The Monkeys SYD.

Shot by Cory White, each photograph presents a window into the diverse regional communities across Australia and their unique relationships with footy.  

During August , Cory traveled between three states to capture the spirit of country football for the Telstra “this is footy country” Out of home campaign. The first instalment of the campaign, currently In OOH and print, offers an insight into the extended body of work still to be released. Both NRL and AFL codes were explored - Womens and Mens football alike. The campaign begins with a release of OOH and there is an extended body of intimate and personal imagery yet to come. Stay tuned and enjoy the last couple of weeks of football!

Thanks to Mon Clapcott for her tireless production.

Cory has shared his impressions of working on this intimate story, documenting the relationship between footy and community.

“ As someone who has drifted in and out of football over the years , this commission pulled me right back in. Not only was I able to reconnect with footy at a deeper level being in the local communities , I had a chance to work organically within clubs and , at times in folks homes,  making pictures in the same way I approach my personal practice. Football can be a great leveller, and a really great conversation starter and social conduit. 

After chatting to the locals at length and witnessing the country footy spirit , it’s hard to imagine a better place to feel part of a community. At the end of the day these clubs offer far more than a patch of grass to kick a football around.  Clubs that often struggle to survive, even to field a side at times, are a second home to folks all around Australia. I am so thankful and appreciative of the hospitality and welcoming I got at all the clubs I visited. Building a rapport through photography with various coaches, players and volunteers warmed my heart and reiterated why I love my job so much”

Here are some Cory's Personal Behind-the-Scenes Shots from his travels.