Female Coaching Academy Attracts New Talent Wednesday, June 22, 2022 - 10:11 AM - by Mark Readings

Aspiring WA female coaches have embraced the chance to develop their coaching craft, with the launch of the WA Football Commission Female Coach Academy. 

The second WAFC Female Coach Academy sprung to life last month, with nearly 30 coaches from junior communities and schools entering the mentor program. 

Led by the WAFC coaching team, the coaches have begun a six-session program that educates them on strength and conditioning, female health, developing a skill acquisition program, effective and safe tackling, and mental health awareness. 

The coaches will also gain exposure to the WAFC State Academy and an AFLW training session. 

After a successful inaugural program last year, WAFC Head of Coaching Beau McDonald said the academy’s benefits were clear. 

“We want more females coaching boys and girls in WA football and we hope this program will fast track that to give them the confidence and competence to coach effectively and enjoy their coaching journey,” McDonald said. 

Academy coordinator Hayden Cobley declared there had been a spike in interest in the program this season, with the next wave of talented female coaches across the state provided with the opportunity to accelerate their skills and craft.  

“Last year was a great starting point, but we have seen a lot more interest this season, especially from teachers interested in branching out into community football,” he said. 
 
“A number of coaches who took part in the academy last season have gone on to be participants in the AFL She Can Coach Program which shows that the female coaching pathway is there.” 

The coaches will learn from skill acquisition specialist Dr Tim Buszard at the next session on July 5.