APPLICATIONS for the 2016 Jill Lindsay Scholarship award are now open, with the successful candidate to be awarded $20,000.

The winner will also receive a laptop and a 12-month mentorship from leadership development and executive coaching expert Andi Pert.

Applicants for the award must be female, currently working in the AFL industry and have completed an AFL SportsReady traineeship.

Female contributions are vital for the continued growth and development of the AFL industry and this award seeks to encourage women to pursue a career in Australian rules football.

The AFL Commission created the scholarship following Jill Lindsay’s passing in 2011 to recognise her excellent work at the AFL. Lindsay had been an AFL employee for 41 years.

To apply for the award, candidates must complete the nomination form.

A panel comprised of representatives from the AFL and AFL SportsReady will select the winner. 

Applications close on Monday, February 29. The winner will be announced at the 2016 AFL Women’s Lunch, on Thursday, May 5