June is AFL Women’s Coaching Month
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.
For more information on Women’s Coaching Month please visit https://play.afl/coach/women-coaching
