Celebrating Women’s Coaching Month in July

WA Football Celebrates 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 for a fifth consecutive year.

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.

‘Champions of Change’ is the theme for 2025, spotlighting how women and girls are reshaping coaching and bringing unique perspectives to football.

As the AFLW celebrates its milestone 10th season, coupled with West Coast Eagles AFLW Senior Coach Daisy Pearce being inducted into the Australian Football Hall of Fame, this year’s theme is fitting as we reflect on the progress made in women and girls football this decade.

Throughout July, 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 Monday, 28 July between 7-8pm AEST with Channel 7 host Abbey Holmes, GWS GIANTS AFLW player and development coach, Alicia Eva, and North Melbourne AFLW premiership captain, Emma Kearney.

Even with a record high five women holding AFLW senior coaching roles and more than 2,600 women coaching local footy across community leagues – up eight per cent on the same time last year – the AFL must continue to grow this number as it strives for equal representation of women and girls in all areas of our game through the Women and Girls Action Plan.

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.

AFL National Women and Girls Football Lead, Debbie Lee, said Women’s Coaching Month is a time for reflection and to acknowledge and thank those who have driven change for women in coaching.

“As we approach the milestone 10th season of AFLW this year, it has been incredible to see the amount of growth that has occurred in our game within the women and girls space, including the number of women taking up coaching positions across all levels,” Lee said.

“The theme of Women’s Coaching Month this year is ‘Champions of Change’, because it is important to acknowledge and celebrate how women are girls are reshaping the coaching landscape.

“We know women bring a different lens to coaching which can enrich our game and we want to continue supporting women to bring themselves and be themselves as a coach.

“I’d like to thank BHP for its ongoing support and investment in this space, and we must continue facilitating pathways and promoting opportunities for women to connect with coaching.

“I’m looking forward to hearing all the stories and seeing all the activities roll out across July to celebrate Women’s Coaching Month, it’s a wonderful time as we also start building momentum leading into the milestone 10th AFLW season in August.”

BHP President Australia, Geraldine Slattery is delighted to be supporting the initiative.

“Coaches are the heartbeat of every team and community,” Slattery said.

“At BHP, we’re proud to stand alongside the AFL in celebrating the women leading the way, on the field and beyond.

“From first-time local coaches to trailblazers at the elite level, these champions of change are inspiring the next generation and helping build stronger, more inclusive communities.”

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.