AFL Gippsland Female Coaching Academy

15 local women and girls have been accepted into the inaugural Female Coaching Academy with the first session held on Tuesday night in Warragul. The inaugural members of the Academy include:

Nicole Cicciari, Lonwarrry JFC; Mimi Henderson, Lang Lang FNC; Jayda Tannahill, Pakenham FC; Kylie Mann, Moe Newborough FNC; Stella Dennis, Warragul Industrials FNC; Jemma Maloney, Drouin FNC; Nicole Creaser, Korumburra Secondary College; Jess Szalek, Warragul Industrials; Tessa Binney, Gippsland Power; Michaela Williams, Warragul Industrials FNC; Melissa Doughty, Warranor JFC; Britt Tancred, Sale City FNC; Alisha Hemming, Leongatha JFC; Kathy Zacharopoulos, Leongatha FC; and Raemarie Collins, Newborough FNC, Gippsland Power.

As part of the program the coaches will be offered various Coaching Development Opportunities in 2024 including opportunities with the West Gippsland Junior Football Competition Representative Program, All Stars Girls Exhibition Game and V/Line Cup.

The Academy has been developed to boost the number of female coaches involved in local football with aspiring, new and established coaches welcome to apply for the Academy.

This exciting new initiative will see sessions held in conjunction with the Gippsland Power talent program, AFL Gippsland Coach Developers and State Coaching Managers.

The academy sessions will cover coaching vision and philosophy, shaping the environment, building relationships, coaching at training, game day and personal learning and reflection.

Program participants will receive:

• A series of coaching development sessions
• Custom Puma coaching kit including apparel and coaching materials
• Opportunity to attend and participate in Gippsland Power training sessions
• Ongoing mentoring and support from AFL Gippsland Coach Developers