The recognition comes after another year connecting with over 30,000 direct participant in PCL programs. Image: Matt Sampson.

Power Community Limited (PCL) has been recognised for its significant contribution to Australian communities, named runner-up in the Jim Stynes Foundation Club Community Award at the annual awards ceremony last week.  

Carlton Respects took out the award, with PCL recognised in second place for the breadth, impact and sustainability of its community programs and the integral role played by the Port Adelaide Football Club, its players and staff. 

As the not-for-profit of the Port Adelaide Football Club, PCL works across four strategic pillars – First Nations, Multicultural, Prevention of Gendered Based Violence and Australian Defence Force – using the power of sport and the club’s people to create opportunities for children, young people and ADF veterans. 

In 2025, Power Community reached 30,599 direct participants and engaged a further 29,662 community members through 27 community events, connecting with more than 60,000 people across the year. 

The organisation also delivered 588 educational workshops across 272 schools in South Australia and the Northern Territory, supported by more than 2,000 hours contributed by Port Adelaide players and staff. 

Importantly, the impact of the programs is being demonstrated through measurable outcomes. 

In the Santos Aboriginal Power Cup, 93 per cent of students reported improved school engagement, 96 per cent reported increased confidence and 80 per cent reported improved connection to culture. 

2026 was the first year where PCL has held two Santos Aboriginal Power Cups: one in Adelaide and one in Darwin. Image: Matt Sampson.

More than 90 per cent of students participating in Power Community’s respectful relationships programs – Power to End Violence Against Women and Empowered – reported a better understanding of healthy relationships and the drivers of gendered violence. 

The Multicultural Power Cup also saw 91 per cent of students develop meaningful friendships across cultures, while 84 per cent reported feeling more positive about themselves. 

Power Community’s ADF programs have similarly delivered positive outcomes, with veterans reporting improved wellbeing and connection, while Power to Thrive supported 357 children from Defence Force families and expanded internationally to Penang, Malaysia in 2025. 

The Jim Stynes Foundation Club Community Award recognition follows a standout 12 months for Power Community, which has received state and national recognition across each of its four strategic pillars. 

General Manager of Power Community Limited, Jake Battifuoco, said the recognition was a strong endorsement of the work delivered across its four pillars, while acknowledging the support of its government and commercial partners. 

“This is great recognition for Power Community as a whole and the work we do supporting communities in need across South Australia and the Northern Territory ” Mr Battifuoco said. 

“Our purpose is to harness the power of sport, the Port Adelaide brand and our players as positive role models to create opportunities for children, young people and ADF veterans to build skills, resilience and connections. 

Participants enjoy the 2026 Power to Thrive clinic. Image: Eliza Montgomery.

“We’re passionate about empowering people to shape their future and contribute to a more just, inclusive and equitable society. 

“This work wouldn’t be possible without the support of our government and commercial partners, and I’d like to sincerely thank each of them for their ongoing backing. 

“Their support allows us to deliver these important programs, reach more people and play our part in driving meaningful change in the community. 

“I’d also like to congratulate Carlton Respects on receiving the award and acknowledge the outstanding work they do in the primary prevention space.” 

Port Adelaide players, coaches and staff are central to the delivery of the programs, contributing directly in classrooms and at community events rather than simply acting as ambassadors. 

AFL and AFLW players co-deliver educational workshops, leadership programs and careers expos, while players have also travelled to remote communities, supported ADF families and veterans, and delivered respectful relationships education to young people. 

The club’s commitment to community is further reinforced through its public platforms, with player involvement helping Power Community extend its reach to a broader audience. 

The runner-up result in the Jim Stynes Foundation Club Community Award recognises the collective contribution of Power Community staff, Port Adelaide players and staff, partners and the many schools and communities who continue to support and participate in its programs.