The Tasmania Devils are set to launch their Women’s Coach Accelerator Program Powered By Solstice Energy, a new initiative aimed at strengthening the pipeline of women and girls coaching football across Tasmania.

The program will provide participants with access to high-profile guest speakers and mentors from around Australia, along with an individual coach development plan and funding for formal coach certifications.

Without the support of the club's Official Energy Partner, Solstice Energy, this program would not have been possible. Solstice Energy is proud to invest in creating meaningful pathways for women and girls in football.

It is designed to help coaches who are currently coaching Australian Rules football and aspire to progress into high-performance programs in the future.

The initiative aims to address the under-representation of women and girls on coaching panels throughout the state and more broadly around Australia, and builds on successful programs run by the AFL at national and state levels.

General Manager of Strategy, People, and Impact at the Devils, Lauren Jauncey, said the program represents part of a wider commitment to equity and diversity.

“The Devils are excited to provide these opportunities to women and girls around the state as part of our club’s commitment to the value of Level the Playing Field.”

Rob Mason, the Lead Facilitator of this program, said that the growth in women’s participation in playing football hasn’t yet been matched by a growth in women in coaching roles.

“The positive impact of seeing women in senior coaching positions on the next generation is immeasurable – you can’t be it if you can’t see it.”

Phaedra Deckart, CEO of Solstice Energy, said encouragement and mentoring are important, but need to be matched by deliberate action.

“We know that deliberate action on developing women with skills, opportunities and relevant experience shifts the dial on building a pipeline of leadership talent ready for senior coaching roles in the AFL, as much as in corporate Australia, and that’s why we’re supporting a development program like this that actually opens doors.”

The program is currently inviting expressions of interest from Tasmanian women who are registered football coaches, with an initial cohort of five coaches to be selected in the coming weeks.

Coaches will be encouraged to apply from all regions of the state, with selections made based on a commitment to professional development and the potential to move into senior coaching roles in the coming years.

For more information on the program or to apply, please visit https://form.typeform.com/to/k7NkCyvG.

This program is a partnership between Solstice Energy, Tasmania Devils, AFL Tasmania, with support from Active Tasmania.