Regional Development Coach

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 so that everyone can share in its heritage and possibilities.

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 - Girls Program at Calder Cannons - This is a fixed term role (approximately until Oct 2027)

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 and maintain a safe, inclusive, respectful and enjoyable (fun) environment for all those involved in the program – staff and athletes alike.
• Focuses on individual player development rather than team success, aided by provision of Individual Player Development Plans on Smartabase.
• Provides an integrated program between girls and boys with head coaches regularly cross pollinating in terms of presence at training sessions, knowledge sharing and improvement feedback in both programs.
• Facilitates the provision of regular player feedback, vision edits, game/stats analysis and reporting in line with the required AFL Talent Pathway standards utilising the preferred online platforms including Smartabase, Hudl and Sportscode.
• Identifies and develops athletes from diverse backgrounds by creating a culturally safe high-performance environment for all.
• Lead coaching development in the region, focusing on community and school coaches with support from the AFL Coaching team.
• Design and implement innovative coaching methods to enhance player development, fundamentals, and decision-making.
• Work with Wellbeing Coordinators to support players' welfare and manage their wellness.
• Ensure compliance with safeguarding policies (e.g., WWCC).
• Support the integration of boys' and girls' programs.
• Build connections with local clubs, leagues, and schools to support the talent program.
• Stay current on best practices in talent development and identify future coaching potential within the region.
• Organize weekly leadership meetings to monitor and plan program activities.
• Contribute to Victorian State Academy programs and promote a positive image of the AFL talent pathway.
• Develop positive relationships with stakeholders to achieve talent program objectives.

OUR IDEAL TEAM MEMBER

Core Competencies:

• Minimum Level 2 AFL Coaching Accreditation or ability to obtain
• 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
• Capacity to simultaneously manage a number of priorities and programs at the same time
• 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

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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: 3 September 2025