Ex-AFL star to lead Indigenous Coaching Program

AFL Victoria is excited to launch a new three-part Indigenous Community Coaching Pathway Program which aims to support coaches, improve retention and coaching expertise, and promote future opportunities and pathways for Indigenous coaches.

The free program for Indigenous coaches will be led by three-time premiership player for the Brisbane Lions, Chris Johnson.

The program is split into three parts and will take place over the next few months.

Part 1: Identify and support community Indigenous coaches to improve retention and coaching expertise.

Part 2: To extend coaching expertise of community Indigenous coaches. Promote future coaching opportunities and pathways.

Part 3: Connect with elite pathways and AFL Programs if applicable (AFLV, VFL/VFLW, NGA & NAB).

Program ambassador, Chris Johnson spoke about the importance of the program and what the coaches can expect to learn.

"Indigenous coaches are lowly represented in the AFL, State Leagues, Talent programmes and Local competitions and this is why AFL Victoria is committed to a program like this. We see that our players are well represented, so AFL Victoria would like to see which coaches have the desire to take their coaching to the next level and give the support that is needed," Johnson said.

"[Coaches can expect] to reconnect with other coaches and your playing groups, talk tactics and learn how to plan for a preseason coming out of COVID, session plans, game day setups, tools on how to coach under pressure again, and expectations for players and coaches."

Brisbane Lions premiership player, Chris Johnson will be a guest speaker as part of the webinar series. 

Program Content: September to November 2021

• September 20th (6:30 - 7:30pm) – A two-part webinar series commences.
• Program facilitator Chris Johnson uses storytelling to connect with participating coaches, drawing on his personal experiences, AFL exposure & experiences. The session will look to link Indigenous coaches to coaching opportunities, work through challenges in current context and identify what coaches want to learn more about in coaching.
• 1 face-to-face coach develop sessions, coaching at training – practical coach learning
• Level 2 program opportunity. 1 face-to-face (full day) session as part of the 2021-22 Level 2 program, which focuses on the six elements of the role of the coach. 1 face-to-face Group Pathway session
• Opportunities to participate in 3-4 small group coach developer sessions aimed at preparing the group for NGA or NAB League coaching

Register here https://form.jotform.com/212417179381861

For any enquiries, please contact AFL Victoria Coaching Development and Education Lead, Ricky Coburn (Ricky.Coburn@afl.com.au).