Your Game, Your Way aims to bridge the gap in community level football by empowering more women to get involved in official capacities.
The program is ideal for clubs and leagues that want a taster of all opportunities. Following the session, attendees will receive resources for next steps to take on official capacities at their club – Umpiring, coaching or volunteering.
Women are already deeply invested in grassroots footy, cheering from the sidelines and supporting their children. However, many hesitate to take on formal roles due to a lack of confidence or time.
Our mission is to help clubs create social events and opportunities that bring these incredible women together, highlighting that they already have the passion, the experience, and the skills to make a difference.
Keen to run a session at your club? Express your interest here.
Head to PLAY.AFL and take the questionnaire:
- Register as an umpire
- Gain access to training modules and resources
Why umpire?
One of the best things about umpiring is how it can feel so similar to a football or any sporting club. There are coaches, training and education to support you in learning what you need to know. You’ve got teammates on the field to lean on if you’re ever unsure. Your footy IQ develops through discussions and actions. There’s a community of like- minded people who just love footy and want to stay involved for life.
Who can umpire?
Umpiring truly is for everyone. In a unique environment of being part of a multi- gendered team, officiating with people of all different ages from 12 years of age to 75+ years of age, having choice of your position on the field and (in most cases) being paid to stay active- there's a guaranteed place for everyone to be an umpire.
Head to PLAY.AFL and:
- Register as a coach
- Gain access to training modules and resources
Why coach?
Coaching is about leadership, communication, empathy, and organisation—skills many women already use every day. Football knowledge can be learned, and tactical expertise can grow over time or be shared with a co-coach. Playing experience should never hold you back.
Types of coaches
You could be a Co-Coach, sharing responsibilities with another coach to reduce pressure and build confidence. Or an Assistant Coach, supporting the head coach by focusing on what you do best, such as communication, organisation, or player wellbeing. And then there’s the Vibe Coach, bringing energy, encouragement, and positivity to create a fun, inclusive environment.
Have a conversation with the president or another person on committee then:
- Check out the many resources, templates, role descriptions and more to support you
- Register as a volunteer on PlayHQ and opt in to receive marketing communications
Why volunteer at your club?
Volunteers are the heartbeat of Community Football Clubs. Without them, many leagues and clubs simply wouldn’t exist. They play a vital role in every aspect of club life, from governance and management to partnerships, fundraising, community engagement, and safeguarding members.
Firstly, representation matters. Women and girls who play footy want to see themselves reflected in club leadership.
Secondly, women already have the skills. From leadership and administration to sponsorship, communications, and social media, women bring a wealth of transferable skills to the table. And let’s not forget, being a mum or guardian often means mastering conflict resolution, multitasking, and empathy, qualities that are invaluable in any committee role.
Get involved in a way that works for you!