BHP and AFLW Extend Partnership

The AFL has announced that BHP has renewed its partnership with the AFLW, continuing a relationship that first commenced in 2019.

The extension reaffirms a mutual commitment to gender diversity, equality, and opportunity within the football community, while expanding the scope of the partnership to include significant mental health initiatives.

This program aims to improve mental health literacy and strengthen resilience across football communities, from grassroots pathways to the elite level.

Commenting on the partnership, BHP Australia president, Geraldine Slattery, said: “BHP has been a committed partner of AFLW and women’s coaching for years and we are pleased to announce this partnership extension, continuing a shared partnership and commitment to meaningful change and growth in AFLW.”

“BHP’s support across a range of programs helps AFLW and women’s football to thrive on and off the field, especially through supporting and providing wellbeing support through delivery of Movember Ahead of the Game, an impact that is felt right through from pathway from grassroots to the elite level,” Slattery said.

Expressing his enthusiasm, AFL executive general manager customer, commercial & technology, Bec Haagsma, added: “As we enter the next phase of the partnership, we’re sharpening our focus on grassroots clubs, supporting wellbeing, inclusion and opportunity for young people, particularly women and girls, in the communities where we live and work,” Haagsma said.

Enhancing the Women’s Coaching Pathway

BHP will maintain its role as the AFL Women’s Coaching Partner, focusing on programs designed to develop and retain female coaches at every level of the sport.

Key initiatives supported under this pillar include:

• The AFL Women’s Coaching Academy: A program presented by BHP to develop elite coaching talent.
• Women’s Coaching Month: Taking place in July, this initiative recognises the contributions of women in coaching roles.
• BHP AFLW Community Coach of the Year: An annual award that will be presented at the W Awards later this year.
• National Coach Your Way – Accelerator Program: A high-level developmental program presented by BHP.
• Coach Developer Network: Further infrastructure to support the growth of female coaching expertise.

Inclusion and Community Impact

As the AFL’s Inclusive Club Initiatives Partner, BHP will power the Women and Girls Community Football Charter. This charter is a central component of phase 2 of the AFL’s Women and Girls Action Plan, directly addressing grassroots inclusion and opportunity for women and girls.

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