Cooper to develop Eagles’ future talent

Jan Cooper, the 2015 Football Woman of the Year, has joined the West Coast Eagles to support and grow the club’s Development Academies in preparation for its entry into the AFLW in 2020.

Cooper will work alongside AFL life member Drew Petrie this season to support the club’s 2nd Generation, Female and Naitanui Academies.

Last year the WA Football Commission, West Coast and WAFL Clubs worked collaboratively to conduct more than 12,000 engagements with young people across WA through Academy programs, supporting football skills development while promoting the benefits of diversity and inclusion.

Cooper will co-ordinate the High Performance Female Academy, and Petrie will oversee coaching of the club’s academies while also supporting new draftees with their AFL transition and prospective female coaches with their coaching development.

Eagles General Manager Community and Game Development Richard O’Connell said he was delighted that the club had secured such quality characters to help develop future Western Australian talent.

“Knowing that Jan and Drew are helping foster future AFLW, AFL, WAFL, WAWFL and amateur talent is really exciting,” O’Connell said.

“I’m certain that by sharing their knowledge and experience they will have a powerful influence on young people’s football and life journey.

“Our supporters should be very pleased that we are able to bring such quality people into the club to further enhance our contribution to professional and grassroots football across the state.

Academy Information:
2nd Generation Academy – A program to support daughters and sons of fathers who have played for the West Coast Eagles
Female Academy – A multi-layered program supporting females who are just beginning their football journey to those striving to play in the AFLW.
Naitanui Academy – State-wide in-school and after-school programs designed to support indigenous and multicultural males develop their football talent and life skills.

Sourced from: West Coast Eagles