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Major boost for WA women's football

A greater emphasis on female football development and enhancing the women’s player pathway will become key objectives following the full-time appointment of the AFL’s first Female Football Development Manager in Western Australia.

In a coup for WA football, WAFC Female Development Manager Jan Cooper has been recruited to the AFL after previously working in a joint WAFC and AFL female development role.

She will relinquish her part-time role with the WAFC to take up the full-time position but will still be based at Subiaco Oval and work alongside WAFC development staff. 

“It’s an exciting opportunity and a big tick for the Commission as well – the AFL knows the WAFC will nurture this role and it proves the organisation has great credibility with the AFL,” Cooper said.

WAFC Chief Executive Officer Wayne Bradshaw congratulated Cooper on the appointment and said it was great to see WAFC staff members receiving the opportunity to develop their careers at AFL level.

“Jan’s appointment as a full time AFL team member is a testament to the talent of the WAFC team and the high esteem in which our staff are held right around Australia,” Mr Bradshaw said.

“Jan has been an integral member of the team and exceptional advocate for women’s football, seeing participation rates grow in WA by 40 per cent this season alone, while also coordinating a highly successful AFL Women’s National Championships in Perth.”

Cooper said her major objectives in the new role would be creating a more comprehensive player pathway for 13 to 18 year olds, exploring the possibility of an Under 19 competition and ultimately, taking steps to have women’s football televised.

AFL General Manager Development David Matthews said Cooper’s appointment was in recognition of her leadership, passion and work in recent years and was a significant appointment for the AFL.

“Over the past two years Jan has held a joint role working with the WAFC and the AFL to lead the growth and development of the game for female participants, with a particular focus on strengthening the female participation pathway,” Mr Matthews said.

“Jan’s work in collaboration with our State football bodies over the past two years has laid a terrific foundation for accelerated growth in this critical segment in the coming years, which is evident with over 80,000 female participants in 2009.”