Head Coach - Top End Youth Academy

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

The Head Coach - Top End Youth Academy position presents an exciting opportunity to drive the development of the next group of talented Northern Territory footballers (boys and girls).  The position will deliver a development program predominantly aimed at 10 - 15 years old players in the Top End.  The program will be designed to ensure that there is a strong emphasis on fundamental skill development, analysis and strong feedback systems.  There is also a strong emphasis on the development of Indigenous talent throughout the Top End.

Please note this is a 21-month max-term position ending January 2028.

We will be closed for our annual closure period from December 22 2025, returning January 12 2026. Over this closure period, applications will not be responded to during this time.

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF

The role will lead the delivery Top End Youth Academy Program for girls and boys in the 10-15 age bracket with the prime responsibility to develop the fundamental skills of these talented young footballers prior them to graduating to the U’16 and U’18 NT Talent program.

To achieve their potential, players should be coached to develop their:

• Fundamental skills e.g. kicking, ground balls, handball as well as decision making and training standards, etc
• Base off field skills including team and personal values, resilience, wellbeing strategies, etc.

The role will establish and maintain an environment that:

• Ensures a safe, inclusive, respectful and enjoyable (fun) environment for all those involved in the Academy – staff and athletes alike.
• Focuses on individual player development aided by provision of Individual Player Development Plans
• Works with the Top End Youth Academy Manager and NT Talent Manager to provide a program that flows into the NT U’16 programs.
• Facilitates the provision of regular player feedback, vision edits and skill analysis utilising the preferred online platforms including Smartabase, Hudl and Sportscode.
• Utiilize research to identify and improve injury prevention long term in athletes
• Identifies and develops athletes from diverse backgrounds by creating a culturally safe high-performance environment for all.
• Collaborates and communicates with community clubs in establishing and building the Academy program
• Design and implementation of innovative methods to improve the Academy Coaches to ensure a consistent approach to developing skill fundamentals
• Considers the players’ long-term participation in football at a variety of levels.
• Promotes and provides a holistic approach to the players’ life in accordance with the AFL Talent pathway overarching development philosophy of “better people, better players”.

Talent Identification and Selection

Collaborate internally and externally to identify talented players within the region including those from diverse backgrounds or from other sports.  This will involve liaising with different stakeholders including AFL NT staff, local community football leagues and schools.

OUR IDEAL TEAM MEMBER

• Passionate about the individual development of talented players and yourself as a coach
• Well-developed IT skills
• Well-developed communication (verbal and written), interpersonal and presentation skills
• Experience in working with the development of young people
• Strong cross cultural skills including experience working with Indigenous youth
• Demonstrated personal initiative and ability to work effectively in a team environment
• Sound background and knowledge of coaching principles
• Skill analytical experience and ability to create consistent approaches to development of fundamental skills
• Must be able to commit to working nights and some weekends
• Exposure to talented player programs as well as a strong understanding and knowledge of talented footballer identification and development theories and practice
• A coaching philosophy, ethics and attitude that represents and is aligned to that of the AFL/AFLW Development Coaching and AFL Talent programs
• 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
• Current Driver Licence and a current Working with Children Check

Desired:

• Previous successful skill acquisition/coaching experience with talented and/or elite athletes
• Demonstrated knowledge of talent development programs in football or other sports
• AFL Silver Coach Accreditation (previously Level 2) or working towards an AFL Coaching accreditation

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

Applications Close: 19 January 2026