Coach or Umpire Where You Belong

Leadership roles help shape experiences and strengthen belonging across community footy.

Coaching

Coaching is a rewarding way to be involved in footy, build leadership skills and help create positive team environments.

Whether you’re new to football or returning to the game, there are flexible opportunities to get started, with dedicated programs, mentoring and development support designed specifically for women and girls. 

Explore beginner courses, mentoring and local opportunities.

Introductory coaching courses for beginners.

Assistant coaching roles at junior and youth levels.

Pathways into team leadership and advanced accreditation.

Opportunities to coach all-girls teams or mixed teams.

Women-focused coaching development programs.

Mentoring from experienced coaches.

Online learning and practical workshops.

Flexible involvement options to suit work and family commitments.

A supportive community of women in coaching.

Umpiring

Umpiring is a flexible and empowering way to connect to the game while building confidence, decision making skills and leadership experience, whilst being paid.

Women and girls are increasingly stepping into umpiring roles, supported by structured pathways, training programs and welcoming umpire communities across Australia.  

Discover flexible pathways and supportive umpire communities.

Beginner umpiring programs with practical training.

Opportunities to officiate junior and youth matches.

Pathways to higher levels of competition.

Flexible match commitments to suit your availability. 

Women and girls umpiring initiatives and networks.

Ongoing coaching and skill development.

Mentoring from experienced umpires.

Inclusive umpire groups focused on belonging and respect.

Opportunities to stay active and earn income.

Coaching Stories

Ki Ryan

Ki is more than a leader; she’s a role model. Starting her coaching journey five years ago, she’s become a powerful advocate for the deaf community, proving that barriers can be broken.

Tamia Blackwell

Already a player at her club, Tamia decided to give coaching a go. Driven by a desire to see young girls grow in confidence and capability, that passion opened the door to something even bigger - designing the first Indigenous team guernsey.

Emma Waller

A lifelong basketballer, Emma tried football after welcoming her third child. What followed was more than a new sport – it was a sense of purpose and a chance to lead and be a trailblazer for those to follow.

Umpiring Stories

Muneerah Foster

Muneerah has always felt connected to football, and umpiring offered a pathway that honoured her cultural values. That opportunity grew into a passion, lifelong friendships, and the chance to officiate at AFLW level.

AKA TSENG

Originally from Taiwan, Aka came to Australia as a backpacker, she knew nothing about AFL at first, but through umpiring, she found a way to connect with Australian culture, improve her English, and build a new community in Darwin.

BRONTE STRAY

Bronte began umpiring at 14 in Melbourne, later continuing in Alice Springs. Seeking to stay active after switching to a desk job, she returned to umpiring and has since officiated over 100 senior men’s games, proving women belong in the role.