The AFL has announced the second annual Women’s Coaching Month to run throughout July, delivered in partnership with BHP.

The initiative will focus on promoting pathway programs to encourage more women coaching at the community sport level, across state leagues, and at the AFL and AFLW level, as well as celebrating current women in coaching roles.

The support from BHP is an extension of the BHP Women’s Coaching Academy, which was established in 2019 and will see eight women graduate as coaches throughout 2022, as well as the brand’s position as the presenting partner of the National She Can Coach program.

AFL general manager of women’s football, Nicole Livingstone, said the support of BHP as a presenting partner of the Women’s Coaching Month will see more women in coaching roles than ever before.

“Women’s Coaching Month celebrates women already in coaching roles and provides an opportunity to further support and promote the pathway programs and initiatives to get more women who are passionate about our game into coaching,” Livingstone said.

“This year marks our second annual Women’s Coaching Month and we’re proud to work alongside presenting partner BHP to further highlight the need for more female coaches from grassroots to the elite level.

“We know there is work to be done in recruiting more women into coaching roles, but we’re excited that momentum is growing with a 100 per cent increase in women coaching across the NAB League since 2021.

“We’re absolutely committed to growing these numbers across all levels of the game.

“Whether it be as a player, an umpire, in administrative roles, or in coaching, we are always seeking new ways to encourage women and girls to become involved in the game they love,” she said.

As part of the initiative, the AFL will also conduct a three-part community webinar series showcasing women coaches across Australia, as well as industry experts in best practice, inclusion, and support.