WOMEN IN COACHING MONTH

July marks Women’s Coaching Month, a national celebration recognising the women who are coaching, leading and helping shape the future of Australian football.

At South Fremantle, we’re proud to celebrate the outstanding women who dedicate their time, passion and expertise to our football program, creating opportunities for the next generation of Bulldogs both on and off the field.

The growth of women in coaching is something Rogers Cup Head Coach Lauren O’Connor has witnessed firsthand during her time at Fremantle Community Bank Oval.

When O’Connor joined South Fremantle three years ago as an assistant coach with the Rogers Cup program, she was the only woman on the coaching panel. Today, she is one of six female coaches within the club’s football program alongside Pia Faletti, Natalie Szelid, Alli Nokes, Amanda Asquith and Keeley Skepper.

“When I started at South Freo, I was the only female in the program,” O’Connor said.

“Young girls want to see role models, and that’s just as important in coaching as it is in playing. It’s only going to keep getting better every year as more women come through.”

At just 24 years of age, O’Connor has quickly established herself as one of the competition’s emerging coaches. While she admits playing wasn’t where she saw her long-term future, coaching always was.

“I wasn’t the best player, but I always knew coaching was something I was probably better at,” she said.

“A great opportunity came up at South Freo and I took it with both hands. The club has been fantastic. I’ve always loved coaching across multiple sports, so it’s something I definitely see as my pathway.”

As Rogers Cup Head Coach, O’Connor takes pride in helping develop not only talented footballers, but outstanding young people.

“I’ve got a really good group of young girls. They’re full of energy, eager to improve every day and they keep me on my toes,” she said.

This year’s Women’s Coaching Month theme, Keep Leading, Keep Coaching, perfectly reflects the impact women continue to have across South Fremantle’s football program.

From developing the next generation of WAFLW and AFLW talent to creating inclusive, supportive environments where players can thrive, our female coaches are helping shape the future of the club every day.