New funding backs Australian Institute of Sport initiative for gender equality in coaching by 2032 

In a rare announcement on the sporting elements in her governmental portfolio, Federal Minister for Aged Care and Minister for Sport, Anika Wells has today announced that the Australian Sports Commission (ASC) will deliver a $3.9 million funding boost for Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) coaching program aiming to get more women in coaching roles.

The monies will be allocated to National Generation 2032 (Gen32) Coach Program which aims to get more women in high performance coaching roles in Australia ahead of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. 

The Gen32 Coach Program was launched in July 2022 with 55 male and female coaches taking part in the flagship program with a focus on enhancing the depth and diversity within Australia’s high performance coaching ranks.

Today’s announcement ensures the program is catering for the modern coach with childcare support and flexible working arrangements available for coaches with children on top of their paid coaching apprenticeship.

The extra investment will extend the paid apprenticeship from two years to three for 29 female coaches to ensure the coaches are ready to take the next step in their careers.

Australian Sports Commission (ASC) Chief Executive Kieren Perkins was joined by Australian Diamonds head coach Stacey Marinkovich and the Gen32 coaches in Canberra to officially announce the extra investment.

Perkins notes “The AIS Gen32 Program is about creating opportunities for women in sport. It’s crucial we attract, support and retain the incredible coaching talent that exists in Australia.

“I am proud that the AIS is leading the way in creating a sport system that is reflective of society and providing ways for women with children to keep progressing their coaching careers.

“I would like to thank the Australian Government for their belief in this program and also thank key stakeholders who have supported the AIS and the Gen32 coaches in bringing this program to life. It is a true sign of how united the Australian high performance sport system is in making sure the lead up to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games is a success for us all.”

Australian Diamonds head coach Stacey Marinkovich added “the AIS Gen32 Coach Program will not only help develop coaching skills and experiences but also provide participants with invaluable connections with other coaches from other sports.

“The talent in this Gen32 coaching group is incredible and having them join the national coaching ranks will only make Australian sport stronger.  

Federal Minister for Sport, Anika Wells, recently met with members of the program and welcomed the ASC’s target of more than doubling the number of coaches by the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. 

Minister Wells advised “the Australian Government is committed to addressing the underrepresentation of women in sport, especially in high performance coaching roles.

“The simple fact is that there are not enough women coaches in national teams and it must change. 

“Women represented just 18% of accredited coaches for the Australian team at the Tokyo Olympic Games and just 23% at the Paralympics.

“That is not good enough. “The Gen32 Coach Program is a tangible way to improve this ratio ahead of our home Games in Brisbane. 

“It is a contemporary program that doesn’t make a woman choose between children and a coaching career and I congratulate the AIS and Australian Sports Commission for their hard work to bring it to life.”

The Gen32 Coach Program is being delivered in collaboration between the AIS, National Sporting Organisations and National Institute Network partners with a total investment of over $11 million. The AIS is investing over $7 million including $3.9 million announced as part of the Women’s Leadership Package in the 2022-23 Federal Budget.

For more information about the Gen32 Program and the coaches taking part, visit the ASC website