Lead Your Way – Gippsland
Empowering Regional Leaders in Sport
The Gippsland Lead Your Way Network is a regional leadership and connection program designed to support women and gender-diverse people involved in community sport. We have been provided with support from Latrobe City Council to operate the network, with three events scheduled for 2026 with all local sports volunteers welcome to attend.
While participation in sport across Gippsland is booming—especially among women and girls—leadership pathways haven’t always kept pace. Many volunteers take on vital roles within their clubs without access to structured development or peer support.
This initiative bridges that gap by delivering:
- Accessible, locally-based leadership development.
- A connected network spanning multiple sporting codes.
- Collaborative growth led by AFL Gippsland and local stakeholders.
Who is this for?
We invite emerging and established leaders (aged 18+) across all community sports—including football, netball, basketball, cricket, and soccer.
- Club Committee Members
- Coaches & Assistant Coaches
- Umpires & Officials
- Club Administrators & Volunteers
EMPOWERING REGIONAL LEADERS IN SPORT: GIPPSLAND LEAD YOUR WAY NETWORK LAUNCHES AT GATHER ROUND
Women and girls participation in community sport across Gippsland continues to grow at an incredible rate, with more players, teams and opportunities emerging across the region than ever before. However, while participation has accelerated, leadership pathways have not always grown at the same pace.
Last Sunday 24th May 2026, AFL Gippsland proudly launched the Gippsland Lead Your Way Network at the Latrobe Health Services Female Football Gippsland’s Gather Round, with the initiative proudly supported by Latrobe City Council.
The launch marked an exciting step forward in creating more opportunities for women and gender-diverse people involved in community sport to connect, grow and lead within their local communities.
The Gippsland Lead Your Way Network is a regional leadership and connection program designed to support women and gender-diverse people involved in all aspects of community sport — from committee members and administrators, to coaches, umpires, volunteers and emerging leaders.
Many volunteers across Gippsland take on vital roles within their clubs and organisations, often balancing multiple responsibilities while helping create opportunities for others. Despite their importance, many have limited access to structured leadership development or peer support networks.
Lead Your Way has been designed to bridge that gap by providing:
- Accessible, locally-based leadership development opportunities
- A connected network spanning multiple sporting codes
- Collaborative growth led by AFL Gippsland and local stakeholders
- Opportunities to build confidence, skills and meaningful connections
The program is centred around a simple goal: bringing connection, opportunity and inspiration closer to home.
Launching the initiative at Gather Round was fitting, with the day already showcasing the strength, growth and future of women and girls sport across Gippsland. Bringing together players, volunteers, leaders and supporters from across the region created the ideal setting to begin building a network that extends beyond football and creates stronger pathways for women and gender-diverse people in community sport.
The next network opportunity will take place on Tuesday 22nd September, continuing the focus on connection, learning and supporting emerging leaders across Gippsland community sport.
AFL Gippsland looks forward to continuing to work with local stakeholders and sporting communities across the region as the network develops and more opportunities become available for participants to connect, learn and lead.
Because strong clubs and strong communities start with strong leaders.
Join the Network
Network membership are FREE. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to build your skills and your community.
