Women’s Coaching Month has officially kicked off in the AFL, as the football community celebrates and recognises the contribution of women and girls in coaching roles across the country.
Established in 2020 and proudly supported by BHP, Women’s Coaching Month also shines a light on the pathway programs and initiatives aimed at encouraging more women and girls to take up coaching from grassroots through to the elite.
Now in its fourth year, the theme for 2024 focusses on ‘Accessibility for All’ and strives to highlight the plethora of transferable skills women possess that could make coaching an ideal career pathway – across any level or league.
Throughout June, national initiatives will complement activities across states and territories including education sessions, professional development opportunities, networking and online events, plus an array of feature pieces and storytelling across social media – all designed to support women in coaching and draw more talent to the caper.
AFL.com.au reporter Nat Edwards will facilitate a national online event on Wednesday, 26 June between 7-8pm AEST with Sydney Kings NBL Assistant Coach, Dr Fleur McIntyre, West Coast Eagles AFLW coach, Daisy Pearce and newly appointed Western Bulldogs AFLW coach, Tamara Hyett.
Register here for the online event on Wednesday 26 June
Even with a record high five women holding AFLW senior coaching roles and more than 2,200 women coaching local footy across community leagues – up 13 per cent this season – the AFL must continue to grow this number to achieve its vision in the Women and Girls Action Plan, for women to make up 40 per cent of all accredited coaches by 2030.
Pleasingly there has been a significant increase in the number of young women taking up coaching positions, with a 20 per cent jump nationally in the 18-24 age group this year and a rise of more than 100 per cent in the under 18 girls’ space.
South Australia and Victoria have seen the strongest growth in overall numbers for women and girls registering to coach, while the Northern Territory has also achieved a strong boost with its figure doubling since last season.
A catalyst for this growth in the NT has been sparked by the Tiwi Islands Women’s Football League (TIWFL) which was established in 2023. The league is run exclusively by women and has seven teams comprising 300 players and 30 coaches who have completed their foundation coaching accreditation.
AFL National Women and Girls Football Lead, Debbie Lee, said Women’s Coaching Month plays a vital role in shining a light on women in coaching.
“Since the inception of the AFLW competition in 2017 it has been incredible to see the amount of growth that has occurred in our game within the women and girls space, and this includes the number of women taking up coaching positions across all levels,” Lee said.
“While we have seen a boost in numbers year on year, we still have a lot of work to do to achieve our targets set out in the Women and Girls Action Plan and we need to keep creating pathways and promoting opportunities for women to connect with coaching. We know women bring a different lens to coaching which is only healthy for our game and we want women to bring themselves and be themselves.
“The theme of Women’s Coaching Month this year is ‘Accessibility for All’ because no matter whether you’re 20 years old and studying, a mum with two children or 60 and retired and want to try something new, there are opportunities at different levels to get involved and use transferable skills you already have to start a path in coaching.
“I’d like to thank BHP who have been instrumental in helping us create and shape these opportunities and initiatives for women and girls, their support and continued investment in this space is invaluable.
“I’m looking forward to hearing all the stories and seeing all the activities roll out across June to celebrate Women’s Coaching Month, it’s a terrific time as we also start building momentum leading into the AFLW season.”
The partnership between BHP and the AFL focuses on developing women and girls who want to play, coach, umpire and administer our game, and encourages men and the broader community to be advocates and allies in this space. Holistic in its approach, the partnership aims to promote leadership, inclusion, equality and wellbeing – recognising that supporting women will benefit communities.
BHP President Australia Geraldine Slattery said:
“Women’s Coaching Month is a wonderful opportunity to recognise and celebrate female coaches across Australia, from Port Hedland to Mackay and every community in between.
"BHP is proud to partner with AFL, including the Women’s Coaching initiative, on their goal for women to make up 40 per cent of all accredited coaching positions by 2030.”
BHP is also the proud presenting partner of the ‘National She Can Coach’ program which has 24 registered participants in 2024.
