A NEW AFL medical program will help find and train the next wave of club doctors.

The AFL Medical Fellowship, launched by League CEO Andrew Demetriou on Thursday, is a specialised two-year program for qualified doctors.

It is designed to prepare the League for the expected retirement of several club doctors in the coming years.

Doctors who complete the fellowship will work as assistant club doctors at AFL clubs or as club doctors at state-level clubs until a head AFL role becomes available.

Another initiative, also launched on Thursday, will give grass-roots footballers better access to sports medical professionals for injury treatment via a dedicated phone booking system.

Sports Medicall, available initially in Victoria only, will give footballers priority access to a number of leading sports physicians.

The AFL Medical Fellowship will be funded by the AFL Medical Officers Association and the AFL.

The Sports Medicall line - 1800 855 072 - opens on April 8, 2013.