Youth footy coaches get more support with new resources

The AFL has launched an all-new set of free resources designed to help coaches of youth-aged Australian rules footballers.

There are around 10,000 registered coaches of youth football teams with players in the 13-18 age range across Australia and the new Youth Coaching Curriculum will help to provide comprehensive support for these coaches who will in turn be able to give their young footballers the best-possible experience.

Coaches can access the Youth Coaching Curriculum guidebook along with videos and other resources to further their coach education at play.afl/coach.

The structured curriculum caters to coaches of all experience and expertise levels and comprises age-group specific training blocks tailored to the needs of players, with each training block including session learning focus areas, activity instructions, coaching constraints and essential coaching insights.

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AFL Executive General Manager Game Development, Rob Auld, said the new set of resources will play an important role in supporting coaches.

“I’m thrilled to launch the all-new Youth Coaching Curriculum, a great resource which is a significant part of the AFL’s continued commitment to develop, educate and encourage participation of young boys and girls in our game.

“Coaches are a vitally important part Australian rules football with thousands of men and women, boys and girls across the country guiding young players through their football journeys. Building upon the foundation laid by the Junior Coaching Curriculum, the Youth Coaching Curriculum helps coaches to progress into youth age groups and equip them with the tools they need to support young athletes throughout their football journey.

“The AFL’s goal is to make this resource accessible to every coach working with players aged 13-18, regardless of their level of experience. The curriculum will help to foster coach and player development and ensure Australian rules football remains accessible to everyone, from grassroots to elite levels.”

The AFL’s national coaching team has worked closely with the Queensland University of Technology and Rookie Me on the development of the Youth Coaching Curriculum.

Adham Dimachki, CEO and Founder of Rookie Me, said: “Rookie Me is extremely excited to have supported the AFL in the development of The Youth Coaching Curriculum to enable coaches have access to a range of age specific session plans and activities designed to develop their players.

“Aligning our digital coaching platform, Rookie Me Coach, to the AFL coaching curriculum has been a constant of the AFL and Rookie Me partnership – this latest release continues to help coaches save time and improve their training sessions through our easy-to-use digital platform, Rookie Me Coach.”

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The AFL is committed to growing the game and supporting all those involved in local football, from NAB AFL Auskick through to junior and senior club football, including players, coaches, umpires, volunteers and administrators.