To mark International Women's Day, AFL Tasmania is thrilled to confirm the Women in Leadership Program is back for its third iteration in 2025, supporting current and emerging female leaders across all facets of Tasmania's football community.
In addition to being a fantastic opportunity to network with like-minded women, the free program provides participants with:
- A framework for understanding self and others;
- Practical skills for communicating and building relationships;
- Tools for creating organisational culture change; and
- Development of inclusive leadership practices.
Facilitator Melinda Maddock has delivered the program to over 50 women across Tasmania since its inception in 2023, and attributes the program's success to its collaborative and inclusive format.
"The workshops are highly interactive. You get to learn from each other and have a laugh along the way. You’ll come away with practical leadership skills you can use in footy and in life."
The program will be held across three in-person workshops - one full-day workshop for Southern participants, one full-day workshop for Greater Northern participants, and a final Statewide conference for all participants.
Southern Workshop: Saturday, 17 May 2025, 10:00am - 4:00pm @ Hisense Room, North Hobart Oval
Greater Northern Workshop: Saturday, 31 May 2025, 10:00am - 4:00pm @ Deloraine Football Club
Statewide Workshop: Sunday, 15 June 2025, 10:30am - 4:30pm @ Campbell Town Recreational Complex
Claremont Women's Premiership Player and Under 18 Girls Coach Rachael Duffy completed the program in 2023, and says the program offers a powerful platform for connection and reflection.
"It was a valuable opportunity to share stories and connect with a diverse group of women. I enjoyed understanding the power we have to shift change and influence others around my football community to be a part of the journey. Mel is a fantastic facilitator and really engaging with how she conducts her sessions.
"You learn about yourself as an individual, you self-reflect about what you've achieved so far, but also what you can aspire to achieve in the future - it's empowering. It's an opportunity to also connect with a group of amazing women, doing amazing things for AFL in Tasmania."
For the first time, participants will have the option to nominate an additional female leader at their club or association who will also be invited to participate in the program.
AFL Tasmania's Women & Girls Community Football Lead Sophie Wheeler says this change has been implemented to widen the reach of the program and ensure emerging leaders are also brought on the journey.
"There are a lot of women driving meaningful progress in our football community who may not have formal leadership roles at their club, or realise they are seen as leaders by others in their community. We hope this new nomination option will help identify these aspiring leaders and ensure they are also given the opportunity to participate and learn from this program."
Applications are open from now until 11:59pm on Sunday, 6th April. Board members, committee members, coaches, umpires, captains and emerging leaders are all encouraged to apply here.