WAFC Buoyed by Boost in Coaching NumbersWednesday, December 7, 2022 - 3:11 PM

The number of qualified coaches in WA is on the rise as the game continues to expand around the state.

Figures show a 5 per cent increase over the past twelve months for those coaches who enrolled and then finished a course.

Troy Kirkham, Manager Game Development and Community Football at the West Australian Football Commission, is delighted with the figures.

“It’s really encouraging to see 75 coaches complete their Level 2 accreditation.

This means that across the game in WA we’re continually increasing the level of knowledge and expertise in the industry.

Coaches play such an integral role in the development and retention of players, and I applaud those coaches who also work at continually improving their knowledge and understanding,” Kirkham said.

The WAFC also has laid out a plan to attract more female coaches, which is a high priority for Kirkham and his team.

“We have established a Women and Girls Action plan which has pinpointed the need to have 18 per cent of all coaches being female by 2025.

If every club across WA appointed one additional female into a coaching position at their club, either as a Head Coach or an Assistant Coach, we would achieve this target tomorrow.

The WAFC encourages all clubs to look at how they can continue to support diversity, along with Women and Girls engagement in the game,” he said.

Kirkham says the importance of coaches in the game can’t be underestimated.

“Research has shown coaches are the number one reason people stay involved in the game or walk away.

We have some outstanding coaches in WA who focus on building strong relationships with their players.

We’d encourage all coaches to make sure they continue to upskill.

Coaching numbers have increased steadily over the past few years, and now with the free online Foundation course available through Coach.AFL,” he said.