AFL Victoria has announced the participants selected for the 2026 Lead Your Way leadership program, aimed at supporting women and gender-diverse leaders in community football clubs.
This year’s cohort features 60 leaders from across the state, representing every AFL Victoria country region and metropolitan league. The group includes representatives from 18 junior clubs, 40 senior clubs and two umpiring groups, with one in six participants from culturally diverse backgrounds and a near-even split between metropolitan and regional areas.
Among those selected are 16 club presidents or vice presidents, alongside others serving in roles such as secretaries, women’s and girls’ football managers, and inclusion managers.
Gippsland is strongly represented, with six participants selected: Terese Bailey (secretary, Sale Umpires Association), Cass Hacket (president, Bunyip Football Club), Christine Harbour (female coordinator, Boisdale Briagolong Football Netball Club), Hollie Balcombe (president, Police Boys Junior Football Club), Ella Angarane (committee member, Dalyston Football Netball Club and president of the Bass Coast Breakers women’s team) and Karen Lawlor (secretary, Nar Nar Goon Junior Football Club and women’s coordinator and canteen manager, Nar Nar Goon Football Netball Club).
Now in its third year, the Lead Your Way program aims to improve the retention of women in leadership roles by building skills, confidence and knowledge, while also creating pathways for participants to progress within their clubs. Participants join an alumni network of more than 100 past leaders, gaining ongoing access to education, mentoring and support.
The program also delivers broader benefits to the football community, with participants returning to their clubs better equipped to enhance the experience for players, coaches and volunteers.
The 2026 cohort met for the first time at the program launch on March 21 at the W Club, before beginning a year-long schedule of education and development. A key highlight will be the Lead Your Way Development Conference, set for mid-year.
