The Gippsland Coaching Academy is set to revolutionise the AFL coaching landscape across the region. Launching in February 2025, this pilot program aims to harness the expertise of leading coaches from AFL Victoria, Gippsland Power, Gippsland League, and the All Stars Program. By creating a structured platform for professional development, the Academy encourages coaches to refine their skills and knowledge while adhering to the new AFL coaching accreditation framework with an emphasis on continuous learning and development.
The Gippsland Coaching Academy is designed with inclusivity and accessibility at its core. With foundational members drawn from the regions leading coaching groups, the program merges local talent and knowledge with broader coaching standards. Here’s what makes the framework of the Academy compelling:
• Collaboration: By pooling resources from various coaching bodies, the Academy ensures a comprehensive learning experience.
• Seasonal Offerings: The inaugural program will span a series of masterclass sessions that focus
on essential coaching elements.
• No-Cost Participation: Notably, attending these initial Masterclass sessions will be free for all coaches, eliminating financial barriers to professional development.
This structured approach not only enriches the local coaching environment but also aligns with national standards established by the AFL.
The Academy’s launch on Tuesday 18 February will serve as the first of the three dedicated masterclass sessions, each addressing critical focus areas for all coaches.
• Masterclass 1: Creating a High-Performance Environment – Tuesday, 18th February 2025,
Crown Hotel Function Room, 72 Franklin Street, Traralgon, 6:00pm – 8:30pm
• Masterclass 2: Planning, Executing and Evaluating Training – Wednesday 19th March,
Gippsland Power Centre of Excellence, 6:00pm – 8:30pm
• Masterclass 3: Being at your best on Match Day – Monday 28th April, Crown Hotel Function
Room, 72 Franklin Street, Traralgon, 6:00pm – 8:30pm
Each subsequent session will build on the themes of environment, training, and match day strategies, fostering a well-rounded coaching perspective. By emphasising these elements, the Academy aims to equip coaches with the tools necessary to enhance player performance and engagement.
While the initial focus is on the masterclass sessions, the Gippsland Coaching Academy is committed to cultivating a culture of continuous learning. In the latter half of 2025, the Academy plans to introduce additional courses, including the new “Elevate Your Coaching Course Bundle,” which replaces the traditional Level 2 Coaching Course. This course will further support coaches in attaining their desired accreditation levels, ensuring that they can achieve and maintain their Bronze, Silver, or Gold coaching status.
To register for individual masterclass sessions and future coaches will need to utilise the AFL Coach Learning Platform to ensure coaching accreditation points can be added to their individual coaching profile.
The launch of the Gippsland Coaching Academy is a significant milestone for the region, marking the beginning of a strong coaching culture built on collaboration, accessibility, and continuous improvement. With free access to high-quality masterclass sessions and an expanded offering of courses in the pipeline, local coaches will have unparalleled opportunities to develop their skills and elevate their coaching practices.
As the Gippsland Coaching Academy prepares to launch, it heralds a new era for coaching standards in Gippsland—a commitment to excellence that will undoubtedly enhance the experience of athletes and coaches alike. With a bright future ahead, we can expect exciting developments from this innovative initiative.
The Academy program will be offered in 2025 alongside the second year of the AFL Gippsland Female Coaching Academy and 2025 pilot School Coaching Academy.
For more information and to register your interest in joining the Academy visit aflgippsland.com.au/gippsland-coaching-academy
