The AFL has launched an industry-first networking platform, Workplay, designed to connect and empower female athletes in sport and business. 

The platform has been established to provide a community for female athletes wanting to connect with like-minded organisations and global industry leaders who are keen to support their business careers.

Workplay will allow AFLW players to access a range of off-field flexible employment, education and career development opportunities that accommodate their full-time sporting commitments.

AFL executive general manager of customer and commercial, Kylie Rogers, said: “The AFL is thrilled to launch Workplay which strengthens our continued commitment to progress women’s football across all levels and offers another avenue for our female talent to achieve their goals on and off the field.”

“Our partners share in our vision of providing the right tools and environment to empower women to reach their potential, so we’re looking forward to working together to make this a reality beyond the football field,” Ms Rogers said.

AFL general manager of Women’s Football, Nicole Livingstone, added: “The AFL is committed to investing in the long-term sustainability of women’s sport and through the establishment of Workplay, we hope to continue to be leaders in this space to ensure women athletes thrive on and off the field.” 

AFLW players Chloe Molloy, Natalie Plane and Eden Zanker gave the new platform their seal of approval, excited to discover how it may further progress their business careers.

Collingwood player, Chloe Molloy, said: “Through the partnership between the AFL and Fox Sports, I was able to start a new role as a news cadet which is really exciting, so I’m looking forward to utilising the Workplay platform to help develop my professional and personal skills further.”

The online platform is available to all AFLW players from August 25th, with the AFL looking to expand the program across all Women sporting codes in the future.