Fifth annual Women in Coaching Month a great success with trailblazing coaches celebrated

As July wraps up, so too does Women in Coaching Month — a celebration of the trailblazing women shaping the future of football.

With a focus on Champions of Change, we spotlighted four inspiring coaches from across the game – from WAFLW to Perth Football League, WA Football’s talent programs and community football.

Fremantle Dockers AFLW star Emma O’Driscoll detailed her experiences in an all-female coaching panel at WAFLW newcomers Perth Demons.

Former West Coast AFLW player and current Claremont WAFLW midfielder Kate Orme spoke about her enjoyment coaching the next generation of female footballers in WA Football’s under-age talent programs.

South Perth Junior Football Club coach and mother of three Lauren McDonald shared her inspiring journey to coaching a boys’ team for the first time.

As one of just a few female coaches in the Perth Football League, Canning-South Perth Tigers women’s coach Jess McNaught wants to continue to help pave the way for women in leadership on and off the field.

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Each of the four inspiring women we profiled throughout Women in Coaching Month showcase the diverse pathways and impact of women in coaching.

The month concluded with a powerful Q&A event featuring AFLW stars and coaches Charlie Thomas and Meg Kauffman, bringing together female coaches from across WA to connect, share, and lead the way forward.

“Into its fifth year, Women in Coaching Month provides a platform and opportunity to recognise the dedication and commitment women are putting into growing the game and further developing their own coaching,” Female & Diversity Coaching Coordinator Beatrice Devlyn said.

“By highlighting some great female leaders, across the pathway, to provide clarity and direction for all and inspire the next generation to strive towards coaching as it is an opportunity to not only grow as leader but develop your own skills no matter what stage of your career you are in, a player, a mum, a sister or just an avid footy supporter.”