Football NSW Celebrates 20 Female Coaching Scholars
Football NSW recently celebrated the achievements of 20 female coaches who have taken a significant step forward in their coaching journeys after receiving part scholarships through the CommBank Growing Football Fund.
Proudly supported by Football Australia and CommBank’s Growing Football Fund, the initiative has provided 20 female coaches with financial support to complete their AFC/FA C Diploma coaching qualification in 2026, helping remove one of the key barriers that can prevent coaches from accessing advanced education opportunities.
By reducing the cost of coach education, the scholarship program has enabled more women to continue developing their skills, knowledge and leadership capabilities, strengthening their contribution to football communities across New South Wales.
As part of the initiative, Football NSW delivered a dedicated Female Only C Diploma course during April and May 2026, providing 13 aspiring female coaches with the opportunity to complete their accreditation in a supportive learning environment designed specifically for women.
A further seven coaches were supported to undertake C Diploma courses closer to their local communities, improving accessibility and ensuring women from both metropolitan and regional areas could continue their development pathways.
Football NSW Head of Women’s & Schools Football, Hayley Todd, said the scholarships have played an important role in supporting the growth of female coaches throughout the state.
“These scholarships have helped remove a significant barrier for many female coaches seeking to progress their coaching journey,” Todd said.
“We are incredibly grateful to Football Australia and CommBank’s Growing Football Fund for their investment in women’s football and coach development.
“The opportunity to deliver a female-only C Diploma course, while also supporting coaches to access local courses, has created meaningful pathways for 20 women to further their coaching qualifications and contribute to the growth of the game in their communities.”
Football NSW remains committed to increasing the number of qualified female coaches and creating clear, accessible development pathways for women across all levels of football.
The continued support of Football Australia and CommBank through the Growing Football Fund has been instrumental in fostering a more diverse and inclusive coaching landscape, ensuring more women have the opportunity to lead, inspire and shape the future of the game.
Football NSW looks forward to seeing the impact these 20 coaches will have on players, clubs and communities as they continue to develop their coaching expertise and help inspire the next generation of footballers.
Women interested in advancing their coaching careers can apply for a Women in Football Coaching Scholarship, valued at 50 per cent of the course cost.
Applications are limited.
