PROGRAM UPDATE | Inclusive Clubs

On the 15th and 28th of May two sessions, run by AFL Victoria, of the Inclusive Clubs program were held at the Olinda Ferny Creek FNC social rooms. Six clubs in total attended; including representatives from Olinda Ferny Creek FNC, Belgrave FNC, Upwey Tecoma FNC, Wandin FNC, Warburton Millgrove FNC, and Emerald FNC.

The Inclusive Clubs program is designed to support community football clubs to develop the knowledge and skills to foster safe, equal and respectful environments for all members of the community, particularly women and girls. The program is just an element to the ongoing improvements to provide equal opportunity for women and girls to play, coach, umpire, officiate, administer, and govern the game.

Not only does the program provide education to start conversations within clubs to bring about inclusivity, but also provides clubs with the support to implement tangible actions to create that inclusivity for all its members.

Attending Clubs were involved in two face-to-face workshops and began work on a ‘Game Plan’ to implement on their individual learnings from the program.

The AFL Victoria Women and Girls team then provide 6 months of continued support to ensure clubs not only finish the ‘Game Plan’ but also implement actions as outlined.

Short term benefits of the program:

– Create safe, equal and respectful environments for all

– Increase involvement of women and girls on and off the field

– Review and update club policies, governance, and club media

– Create community-based initiatives

Long-term benefits of the program:

– Create sustainability of women & girls football programs

– New recruitment streams for players, coaches and administrators

– Build evidence of need for infrastructure development

– Generate diverse income streams and recruit new sponsors.

Our six clubs and OEFN are now all working to become signatories of the AFL Victoria Women and Girls Charter.

To learn more about the Charter and to become a signatory for your club, please click here: Women & Girls Community Football Charter – Play AFL

Thank you to the AFL Victoria Women and Girls team (Georgia Case & Beth Cook) for facilitating and organising the workshops and to the attending volunteers who represented their clubs on the nights. Thank you as well to Olinda Ferny Creek FNC for hosting the workshops. For any questions please contact Maddy Gough on [email protected]