Community coaches and officials sought for ASC Women's Mentor Program

The Australian Sports Commission’s (ASC) Women’s Mentor Program is looking for community coaches and officials.

The ASC Women’s Mentor Program supports women coaches and officials to create positive experiences for women and girls as well as drive gender equity within their clubs or organisations.

The Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) advise that for Jessica Lovett, one of the few female goalball coaches in Australia, sport is not just about competition — it’s about building connections and fostering inclusion in meaningful ways.

In her role as coach, Lovett is particularly passionate about connecting women with disabilities through goalball, something she has been able to explore through the ASC Women’s Mentor Program.

Following a successful pilot program, which Lovett found valuable and rewarding, the ASC is now looking for the next cohort of women interested in taking part.

Lovett shared “there were so many benefits. The program made me realise that the challenges I was facing were shared by others in different sports, and it helped me connect and work through these with them. It was amazing, I have made so many good connections.”

Beyond connecting with other coaches and changemakers, Lovett gained insights to assist with her own coaching approach, particularly around communication.

“One thing that resonated with me was that there is no one-size-fits-all approach for communication,” she explained.

“I need to be mindful of how I communicate with others and what I say.”

The Women’s Mentor Program is part of the ASC’s commitment to address the underrepresentation of women across sport, with the initiative to support up to 200 women to lead change by offering them tailored tools and mentorship based on their specific contexts.

Sessions include online check-ins as well as in-person workshops that will take place in Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney, with support available for those who need to travel.

If you’re a coach or official who identifies as a woman and you want to connect with fellow coaches and create a better future for sport apply now for the 2025 Women’s Mentor Program.

Applications close at midnight (AEDT) on 19th January 2025.

Image. Goalball coach Jessica Lovett found the Women's Mentor Program a valuable experience. Credit: AIS