Coates, who is a physical education coordinator, has been recognised for her dedication and hardwork to help the school's students strive to be their best.

"I am exceptionally honoured to win the award," Coates said.

"As a teacher it's my duty to ensure I give the students the best opportunities to set them up for success in the future.

"I'm really quite humbled."

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Coates was named as the AFL Primary School Ambassador award winner from Victoria for her endless work which has seen the school's Auskick Centre participation numbers increase.

"While I promote and assist with communications and help provide opportunities, there are so many people who help me with plenty of hard work in the background.

"Adam Place, Hayden McDonnell, Caroline Strachan, Gerard Horan, Nicole Campbell, Simon Nihill and Tim Moloney and many others also deserve recognition.

"And of course, all the amazing junior coaches who do incredible work."

Coates has a background in athletics and uses her experience to inspire the children.

"I tell a lot of our students that learning how to run efficiently is a fundamental skill for all land sports," she said.

"The faster and more efficient they can be as runners, it will help them in their ability to play several team sports."

Overall Coates couldn't be prouder to see football and Auskick continuing to grow at St Francis of the Fields.

"We really have an amazing committee and coaches who do so well in igniting the students' passion for football," she said.

AFL's Alex Burgin said this year's award winners were crucial to the future of community football.

"The AFL is grateful to each and every one of our 220,000 community football volunteers, the unsung heroes who work tirelessly to progress our game in various capacities - at community clubs, leagues and across every Auskick centre," he said.

"Through a difficult season in many states, the quality of nominations shows how local AFL clubs, are determined to continue working though the hurdles and achieve amazing outcomes and excellent AFL experiences."

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