THE AFL is pleased to announce that BHP has renewed its partnership with the AFLW, continuing its support for the growth and development of the league and reaffirming its commitment to creating positive change through football.
Under the renewed agreement, BHP will continue as an Official Partner of AFLW, building on a strong relationship established in 2019, and continues to focus on enhancing the areas of gender diversity, opportunity and equality as well as mental health in the football community.
BHP will continue as the AFL Women’s Coaching Partner, supporting a range of key programs designed to develop, recognise and retain women coaches at all levels of the game.
These programs include the AFL Women’s Coaching Academy presented by BHP, Women’s Coaching Month presented by BHP in July, Coach Developer Network presented by BHP, BHP AFLW Community Coach of the Year and the National Coach Your Way – Accelerator Program presented by BHP.
Through the partnership, BHP and AFL will further champion gender diversity, inclusion and equality as the AFL’s Inclusive Club Initiatives Partner, powering the Women and Girls Community Football Charter.
Extending on the previous work done in BHP supported programs in this area, the Women and Girls Community Football Charter directly address phase 2 of the AFL’s Women and Girls Action Plan.
In addition to its coaching focus, BHP will become Supporting Partner of Movember Ahead of the Game, promoting positive mental health outcomes and wellbeing by strengthening resilience and mental health literacy across football communities.
AFL Executive General Manager Customer, Commercial & Technology Bec Haagsma said:
“BHP has been a committed partner of AFLW and women’s coaching for years and we are pleased to announce this partnership extension, continuing a shared partnership and commitment to meaningful change and growth in AFLW.
“BHP’s support across a range of programs helps AFLW and women’s football to thrive on and off the field, especially through supporting and providing wellbeing support through delivery of Movember Ahead of the Game, an impact that is felt right through from pathway from grassroots to the elite level.”
BHP Australia President Geraldine Slattery said:
“Our partnership with the AFLW has always been about strengthening communities through connection, inclusion and opportunity, on and off the field.
"As we enter the next phase of the partnership, we’re sharpening our focus on grassroots clubs - supporting wellbeing, inclusion and opportunity for young people, particularly women and girls, in the communities where we live and work.
'We’re proud of the impact delivered since 2019, and excited about what this next chapter will enable for local clubs and communities across Australia.”
In addition to the support of these game changing programs, BHP will continue to build on the momentum of the BHP AFLW Community Coach of the Year, which will be announced at the W Awards later this year.
