SANFL Women’s players on a pathway to personal success

SA Power Networks has teamed up with SANFL to support Statewide Super Women’s League players with a new personal development program.

The SANFL Female Personal Pathways program, an initiative driven by SA Football Commissioner Louise Small, aims to equip players with the tools to support their wellbeing, mental health and personal growth whilst playing and training in a semi-professional elite football environment.

SANFL Head of Football Operations Tom Hurley said the concept was developed specifically for elite and developing adult and youth talent in the SANFL Statewide Super Women’s League.

Currently being rolled out across the eight SANFL Clubs, the program involves a series of educational workshops and forums during the pre-season, covering:

• Leadership
• Club culture
• Financial and career wellbeing
• Mental health education

Every player also will be provided with a personal development journal for self-reflection, improving mindset, setting goals and building confidence and mental resilience.

“It focuses on the notion that to become an elite athlete and football player on the field, they must also be a high-quality individual off the field,” Mr Hurley said.

“Female Personal Pathways is a program designed to complement the strong and successful football pathways already provided by the SANFL for young girls and women.

“It’s our belief that not only can we provide a platform to excel in football, but one in which to grow and develop young women, who can contribute positively both within the football community and beyond.”

SA Power Networks General Manager Customer and Community Sue-Ann Charlton said there was a synergy between the organisation’s female workforce and SANFL’s elite female football players.

“Our own field-based women enjoy working with their hands, being out in the open air and working as a team to solve the challenges before them,” Ms Charlton said.

“Partnering with the SANFL on the Female Personal Pathways program was therefore a natural fit for us, as we also strive to develop women working in a non-traditional field.”

Main image above: Statewide Super Women’s League club leaders at the first female personal development program leadership and culture forum.