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AFLW players to benefit from landmark $5 million deal with BHP

AFL women’s players will receive assistance with their careers and development under a landmark deal believed to be one of the biggest in women’s sport in Australia.

Adelaide and Carlton compete in last year’s AFLW grand final.
Adelaide and Carlton compete in last year’s AFLW grand final.

AFL Women’s players will have access to dedicated development managers at every club under a landmark deal with BHP.

The three-year deal — understood to be worth in the ballpark of $5 million — is believed to be one of the biggest in women’s sport in Australia.

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The arrangement will see all 14 AFLW clubs employ a dedicated women’s player development manager to specifically assist female players with their careers and development.

AFL chief executive Gillon McLachlan described the partnership as a “genuine game changer” for women’s football.

“The commitment delivers player development managers in every club, and support to the academies that will deliver the next generation of women coaches and umpires,” he said.

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The AFL Women’s Coaching Academy and AFL Female Umpiring Academy will also be supported by BHP, along with a Community Coach of the Year Award to be presented at the W Awards.

“2020 will be our fourth season of the AFLW. It’s been an incredible journey so far but there is still so much work ahead and to keep building and growing the women’s game, we need

committed partners.” league women’s football boss Nicole Livingstone said.

Adelaide and Carlton compete in last year’s AFLW grand final.
Adelaide and Carlton compete in last year’s AFLW grand final.

“BHP has a global footprint and their long-term commitment to investing in the communities in which they operate – particularly in Australia – and this partnership will help us raise each other up.

“The AFL is very proud that they have chosen to partner with the women’s game.

“This is backing our game where it really counts – helping our players on and off the field to be their best. The AFL welcomes BHP to the AFLW – together we are going to change the game.”

National female community football guidelines will also be developed under the arrangement.

“BHP and the AFL are two of Australia’s oldest and most iconic institutions, and we are excited by the opportunity to partner with the AFL to create more opportunities for women to thrive in business and sport,” BHP’s Acting President Minerals Australia Edgar Basto said.

“We each have histories that are traditionally male dominated – this partnership will help us learn from each other in our respective journeys to create a genuinely level playing field for both women and men.”

Originally published as AFLW players to benefit from landmark $5 million deal with BHP

Original URL: https://www.goldcoastbulletin.com.au/sport/swoop/aflw-players-to-benefit-from-landmark-5-million-deal-with-bhp/news-story/c2d01eec95a6ccdd71fd5355b8b34398