The AFL has announced a partnership with the Australian Indigenous Psychologists Association (AIPA) to strengthen the league’s commitment to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander athletes’ social and emotional well-being.

The partnership builds on the AFL’s commitment to Indigenous athletes, after the league mandated the appointment of an Indigenous Player Development Manager (IPDM) at each club last year.

Additionally, IPDMs, representing 15 of the 18 clubs participated in a two day Aboriginal and Torres Strait first aid training course.

Welcoming the partnership, Australian Indigenous Psychologists Association chair, Vanessa Edwige said the AIPA is excited to partner with the AFL to provide culturally responsive support to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander player and staff.

Commenting on the partnership, AFL executive general manager of inclusion and social policy, Tanya Hosch, said: “Through this partnership, AIPA are providing advice to the AFL regarding culturally appropriate social and emotional wellbeing practices, principles, and actions to further support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the game.”

“We acknowledge the importance of connection to culture when considering the social and emotional wellbeing of Indigenous players and staff and look forward to continuing to learn from AIPA’s experts to help us best support our people,” she said.

AFL head of mental health and wellbeing, Dr Kate Hall, added: “AIPA members have provided social and emotional wellbeing support to our players and staff over the course of the past two seasons and their generous contribution to the AFL Industry Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy was invaluable.”

“Through our relationship with AIPA, our players and staff have direct access to psychologists with a deep cultural understanding to ensure our industry provides culturally responsive social and emotional wellbeing services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander players and staff,” she said.

The news of the league’s continued commitment to Indigenous athletes and staff comes after round one of the 2022 AFL season saw a 45% in attendances and a corresponding rise in TV audiences.