OEFN FIRST METRO COMPETITION IN VIC TO BE SIGNATORY FOR WOMEN & GIRLS CHARTER |

We would excitedly like to announce OEFN is officially the first metro competition in Victoria to become signatories of the AFL Women and Girls Community Football Charter.

The action plan created will work alongside strategic goals in the Leading the Change Gender Equity and Inclusion plan, which has been in place since 2022.

 

The Women and Girls Community Football Charter is a commitment from Community Football Leagues, Clubs, & Umpire Groups to work towards making Community Football environments welcoming, safe and inclusive for Women & girls. This charter sets out the expectation that associations will champion women and girls guided by four principles; opportunity, visibility, access and, investment.

The OEFN Quick Wins Action Plan:

AREA TO BE ADDRESSED

WHAT SPECIFIC ACTIONS IS YOUR CLUB COMMITTING TO?

HOW WILL YOU MEASURE SUCCESS?

WHO IS RESPONSIBLE?

WHEN WILL THESE ACTIONS BE COMPLETED?

Our Competition’s resources

and investment is equitable

for our women’s and girls’

teams

Increase umpire allocations for women’s games in 2025 to improve the experience and standards

  • Review umpire allocation policy to improve equity of allocation

  • Allocation of more umpires to women’s matches

Head of umpiring – Jason McNiece

Umpiring Coordinator – Aaron Gillard

Review – October 2024

Re-assess – October 2025

Our Competitions provide education sessions for coaches and volunteers

  • Encourage and support women in club committee leadership positions to apply for Lead Your Way 2025

  • Continue  local network of women in leadership to meet and connect

  • Min. 5 endorsed applications from women in club leadership positions for LYW 2025

  • Hold min. 1 local networking opportunity for women in the Outer East

Football Operations and Club Development Coordinator – Maddy Gough

Administration and events Coordinator

Lead Your Way applications – 2025 application close date

Networking opportunity – Women and Girls Networking Lunch 2025 (August)

Our Competitions change

rooms, and toilets are safe,

hygienic and inclusive for all

participants

Ensure all neutral finals venues are inclusive, safe and hygienic, and accessible for all.

  • Check change rooms cater for women and girls, including sanitary bins etc.

  • Ensure selected facilities have appropriate lighting

  • Print & display the Safe & Inclusive Use of Rooms posters for all finals venues

GM Operations – Cameron Hutchison

Junior Football Operations Coordinator – Andrew Gibbons

Netball Operations Coordinator – Matthew Blanchard

Football Operations and Club Development Coordinator – Maddy Gough

Review – October 2024

Application – Finals series 2025

Our Competitions promote signatories to the Women & Girls Community Football Charter

Support all clubs to meet Fair Access Requirements by assisting clubs to become AFL Women & Girls Community Football Chartered Club

  • Promote the Charter across all league channels

  • Provide access to education and support through face-to-face charter workshops

  • Promote and celebrate chartered clubs

Football Operations and Club Development Coordinator – Maddy Gough

Media and Communications Coordinator – Steph Barkas 

Action throughout the year. Review – October 2025

Our Competition provides

education sessions for

coaches

Support clubs to recruit and retain women in coaching roles for the 2025 season by providing education, training, and networking opportunities

  • Promote Coach Your Way education program

  • Continue supporting new and current Female coaches with the Women’s Coaching Academy hosted by Lauren Morecroft

GM Operations – Cameron Hutchison

Football Operations and Club Development Coordinator – Maddy Gough

September 2025

To submit an EOI to become signatories: https://play.afl/clubhelp/women-girls/community-football-charter

Share This Article

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn