Last week, AFL New Zealand delivered its first-ever nationwide coaching and umpiring initiative, bringing together participants from across the country to help develop the next generation of coaches, umpires and footy leaders.
The Foundation Coaching and Umpiring Courses attracted more than 50 participants across Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch, reflecting the strong grassroots interest in improving coaching and umpiring standards throughout New Zealand. The courses equipped attendees with the fundamental skills and knowledge needed to support local competitions and development programmes within their communities.
Auckland also hosted the Elevate Coaching Course at Eden Park, where 22 participants completed a more advanced programme designed to build their capability and help them take the next step in their coaching development.
This was the first time AFL New Zealand had delivered coaching and umpiring courses on this scale and in this format. The strong turnout across all three regions represents an important step towards building sustainable coaching and umpiring pathways and supporting the continued growth of AFL throughout New Zealand.
AFL New Zealand would like to extend a huge thank you to Jack Barry and Tyler Hollingworth from the AFL, who did an outstanding job facilitating the courses.
