The AFL Coaches Association established the Women’s Coaching Pathway Scholarship in 2019, out of the need to support ambitions of the AFLW players to help them realise their potential and fast-track their development to coach at the highest level
The AFLCA Women’s Coaching Pathway Scholarship is aimed at enhancing the learning and development and coaching opportunities of women playing in the AFLW, coaching in the AFLW and / or coaching in the AFL Men’s competition.
AFL Coaches Association Women’s Coaching Pathway Scholarships have been awarded since 2019 with Alicia Eva, Emma Grant, Christina Polatajko, Tamara Hyett, Elise Coventry, Steph Binder and Kate Darby receiving a range of personal development benefits, which have included being funded to attend coaching courses to receiving an AFL coach as a mentor.
Women playing in the AFLW as well as those coaching in the AFLW and / or the AFL Men’s competition are invited to apply in July for the 2026 AFL Coaches Association Women’s Coaching Pathway Scholarship.
The Scholarship recipient will receive:
A funded position to participate in the AFL Coaches Association’s Next Coach Program
Mentorship from a current AFL Coach (with at least 10 years’ experience)
Professional Development opportunities facilitated by the AFL Coaches Association (value of up to $1,000)
