Wellbeing Coordinator - Bendigo Pioneers

ABOUT US

As an organisation, the AFL works tirelessly in all states and at all levels to enhance and grow the game – from grassroots to elite. Together, we put on the game, deliver important events, communicate with our fans, run community programs, develop coaches and umpires, collaborate with partners, delight members, support clubs and so much more. While our roles may vary, we are all united by a common goal, to progress the game for everyone to love and connect with Australia’s game.

The AFL is committed to promoting and protecting the safety and wellbeing of children and young people in our care. Please note, we undertake several screening processes to ensure this commitment is upheld, this includes ensuring the successful candidate to this position holds a valid employee Working with Children/ Vulnerable People check and a satisfactory criminal history record check.

We are an Equal Opportunity employer and firmly believe that diversity and inclusion is an important part of both the AFL and the communities in which we operate. Our game is for everyone, and we strive to be a workplace for everyone.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are encouraged to apply.

About the role - fixed term role until 31 October 2026

This role plays an important part in supporting the wellbeing and development of young athletes, helping them thrive both on and off the field. It contributes to building mentally fit, balanced players within high-performance environments across the AFL’s Talent pathways.

Working as part of the Mental Health and Wellbeing Team, you will deliver wellbeing strategies, education and support to youth athletes. This is a part-time role (15 hours per week) based within the AFL’s Victorian Talent Pathway programs, working closely with coaching and program staff to support holistic player development.

What you’ll own

This role is focused on delivering meaningful wellbeing outcomes for young athletes in a high-performance setting. You will work closely with players and staff to embed consistent, practical support across the program.

You’ll add value through:

• Designing and implementing wellbeing strategies that support the development of players in a football environment
• Delivering a structured wellbeing curriculum that builds mental fitness, resilience and life balance
• Providing individual guidance to players to support personal wellbeing, social development and sport-life balance
• Building trusted relationships with players to enable open, constructive conversations around wellbeing
• Collaborating with coaches, staff and stakeholders to ensure a consistent and aligned approach to player development
• Supporting players to navigate challenges associated with high-performance sport and adolescence
• Facilitating access to appropriate medical and allied health referral services where required
• Attending training sessions and matches to provide visible, integrated wellbeing support
• Advocating for and embedding safeguarding practices to ensure the safety and wellbeing of young people in the program

What you’ll bring

• Demonstrated experience working with adolescents, particularly in wellbeing, education or development contexts
• Bachelor qualification in Education, Psychology, Health or a related field (completed or in progress)
• Capability to design and deliver wellbeing or education programs in group and individual settings
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with players, coaches, parents and staff
• Ability to build trust and rapport with young people in a high-performance environment
• Understanding of referral pathways and processes within medical and allied health services
• Knowledge and practical application of safeguarding children practices and responsibilities
• Flexibility to respond to the evolving needs of youth athletes and program demands
• Demonstrated commitment to continuous learning and applying evidence-informed approaches to wellbeing
• Completed or a willingness to complete Youth Mental Health First Aid and ASIST training if not already obtained
• A valid Employee Working With Children Check

Why you’ll love being on our team

At the AFL, you will be part of a values-led team that aims high, backs each other and brings energy, care and integrity to work that matters. This is a place where people play to win, play as one team and play with passion, while always staying grounded in fairness, inclusion and respect. We work hard, support each other and create the conditions for our people to grow, perform and thrive.

Everyone has a place here

Our game brings people together, and we want our workplace to do the same. We are committed to building an environment where people feel respected, included and able to thrive, and where diversity of background, experience and perspective makes us stronger.

Applications close: 6 May 2026