AFLW Ambassadors set to strengthen AFL Schools program

Five AFLW players have signed on as ambassadors for the AFL Schools program, which aims to provide teachers across Australia with the resources and opportunity they need to connect students with our great game.

Taking on ambassador roles this year include: Gold Coast SUNS’ Lauren Ahrens (Secondary teacher at Miami SHS), Sydney Swans’ Lisa Steane (Secondary teacher at Willoughby Girls and Randwick Boys), Hawthorn’s Kaitlyn Ashmore (Primary CRT at St Martin De Porres PS in Avondale Heights) Port Adelaide’s Ange Foley (Secondary teacher at Seymour College), and Fremantle’s Gabby O’Sullivan (Secondary teacher at SEDA).

The AFL Schools program empowers teachers to deliver quality content – both on the field and in the classroom – that encourages students to become more active and engaged, whilst simultaneously exposing them to Aussie Rules, the clubs, and players.

With a passion for Aussie Rules and teaching the next generation, the five ambassadors will help the program not only cultivate a life-long interest in footy for students, but encourage intellectual curiosity, critical thinking and in-class and on-field participation.

Visiting schools across Australia, they’ll also equip teachers and educators with the tools they require – including a host of materials and resources – to coach footy.

Swans’ defender, Steane, said she was honoured to be an ambassador.

“It’s a privilege to be able to marry my two passions – AFL and education,” said Steane.

“Teamwork, leadership and communication are three key skills that I’ve developed in both my teaching and football careers.

“Being able to develop them in a football environment has strengthened my confidence as an educator, particularly, when I transferred them from teaching at the primary level to high school curriculum.”

Port Adelaide’s Foley echoed Steane’s sentiments around her involvement.

“Seeing the joy on students’ faces when they learn to master a new skill or even just give something new a go – that is what I love about teaching,” Foley said.

“Women’s sport is really stamping its feet at the moment in Australia. It is exciting to be a part of it both as an athlete but also to have the opportunity to nurture, guide and inspire students at the school level as well.

“For girls to see that the sky is the limit for females in sport now and they can make a real career out of it, not just as players, but also in the media, administration and on coaching pathways too.”

AFL Executive General Manager Game Development Rob Auld said he was delighted to have five passionate ambassadors representing the program in its second year.

“The AFL Schools program is vital in helping us make footy accessible to as many children as possible, so to have five passionate and highly qualified ambassadors in Lauren, Lisa, Kaitlyn, Ange and Gabby aiding the delivery of this initiative is a great result,” Auld said.

“Having our AFLW players visit schools across the country who students can look up to and learn from, strengthens the program and gives children and teachers a unique experience as they connect with our game.”

For more information on the AFL’s Schools Sports Program, visit: play.afl/schools/

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