Regional Development Coach - Eastern Ranges Girls

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 - Eastern Ranges - Responsible for the Girls program - Fixed term role approximately two years

The Regional Development Coach (RDC) is primarily responsible for leading the development of talented young footballers (predominantly between 15 and 19 years of age) and other coaches in a well-balanced talent development environment in line with the Victorian Talent Development Philosophy. This includes playing a lead role in setting, driving and maintaining a positive, safe and supportive development program culture.

The RDC will plan, manage and lead a talented player pathway program that supports the development and progression of well prepared (physically, emotionally, socially, game play, skills, etc.) young athletes ready for AFL and AFLW football as well as those players that transition into State League and/or community football competitions after their talent pathway experience.  A key objective of the role is to ensure optimal individual development of both the male and female athletes who participate in the Victorian Talent Pathway.

For clarity, each region will have a dedicated RDC for the girls program and one for the boys program

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF

Key Accountabilities:

Lead a Safe, Inclusive & High-Performance Environment

• Establish and maintain a safe, respectful, inclusive and enjoyable environment for staff and athletes.
• Promote a holistic development philosophy aligned to “better people, better players”.
• Ensure compliance with safeguarding policies (including WWCC requirements).
• Monitor athlete workload and wellbeing to reduce risk of fatigue and overuse injury.

Drive Individual Player Development

• Prioritise individual player development over team outcomes.
• Oversee and implement Individual Player Development Plans (Smartabase).
• Facilitate regular feedback, vision analysis, game/stats reporting and development tracking using Smartabase, Hudl and Sportscode.
• Support players’ long-term participation in football across multiple pathways and levels.

Integrate & Strengthen Boys’ and Girls’ Programs

• Lead the integration of boys’ and girls’ programs, encouraging cross-program collaboration, shared learning and coaching presence.
• Contribute to Victorian State Academy programs and broader pathway initiatives.

Lead Regional Coach Development

• Partner with the AFL Coaching team to educate and upskill community and school coaches.
• Design and implement innovative coaching approaches focused on fundamentals, decision-making and player development.
• Identify and support emerging coaching talent within the region.

Talent Identification & Community Engagement

• Collaborate with Talent Operations Leads and Pathways Managers to identify and select talented athletes, including those from diverse backgrounds or other sports.
• Build strong connections with local clubs, leagues, schools and key stakeholders to strengthen the regional talent network.

Leadership & Program Management

• Lead and develop Assistant/Support Coaches, including recruitment, induction, performance and development.
• Facilitate weekly regional leadership meetings to monitor, manage and plan program activities.
• Develop and maintain strong stakeholder relationships to achieve talent program objectives.

Continuous Improvement & Innovation

• Strive for best practice by reviewing and enhancing program delivery.
• Stay current with national and global trends in talent development and high-performance environments.
• Commit to ongoing personal development and industry engagement.

OUR IDEAL TEAM MEMBER

Core Competencies:

• Minimum Silver Level AFL Coaching Accreditation (or equivalent) or ability to obtain
• Dedication to ongoing development of coaching practices and the craft of coaching
• Experience in working with young people
• Demonstrated personal initiative and ability to work effectively in a team environment
• Well-developed communication (verbal and written), interpersonal and presentation skills
• Excellent IT skills when working with vision and presentation of coaching strategies
• Operational knowledge / skills of applications and relevant player performance analysis software and vision editing programs such as Champion Data, Sportscode, Hudl and Smartabase
• Ability to teach the latest coaching methods including IT and software programs that assist in this process
• A coaching philosophy, ethics and attitude that represents and is aligned to that of the Victorian Talent Pathway philosophy and purpose of the Coates Talent League
• Sound technical knowledge and training methods suitable for the group of players, in-line with AFL/AFLW Club Development Programs.
• Exposure to talented player programs as well as a strong understanding and knowledge of talented footballer identification and development theories and practice
• Demonstrated leadership skills, ability to formulate and communicate sequential training and game plans along with the ability to identify, motivate and nurture young talented athletes
• Capacity to develop and sustain productive relationships with all stakeholders, particularly with other talent pathway coaches and operational leads, high performance & medical staff, players, their parents and schools
• Ability to influence stakeholders to work together to achieve talented player program objectives
• Current Victorian Driver License and a current Working with Children Check

Desired:

• Previous successful coaching experience with talented and/or elite athletes
• Demonstrated knowledge of talent development programs in football or other sports

OUR CULTURE

Please visit www.afl.com.au/careers/our-organisation

THE PERKS

• Play The Day Your Way – a flexible approach to your working life
• My Development – lean into the AFL’s My Development program consisting of on-the-job training, coaching and mentoring, and formal learning
• Play Well – access to our extensive Health and Wellbeing program centered around our belief in a healthy body, healthy mind, and healthy workplace
• My Benefits – with thanks to our AFL Corporate Partners, access great benefits and discounts
• AFL Silver Memberships – permanent team members can access AFL matches at Marvel Stadium and the MCG, enjoy and share the experience of our game with your family and friends!

Applications Close: 12 March 2026