Developing supportive environments for AFLW

The challenge

Underpinned by a desire to provide effective support to Australian Football League Women’s (AFLW) players the research was designed to gain a deeper understanding of the environmental enablers and stresses through the lived experiences of participants.

Project overview

Using a qualitative research framework the research sought to explore the experiences of AFLW players, coaches, administrators and support staff across a number of clubs. Across 42 semi-structured interviews a range of themes were identified in relation to:

• managing the club environment
• player recruitment and retention
• the AFLW season
• team culture
• player support
• life outside the AFLW.

Outcomes

Player Development Best Practice Guide, policy settings, education and training provision, follow-up research.