Participation Coordinator

AFL - Australian Football League; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working days

Professional development & mentoring

Health and wellbeing program

Partner offers and AFL benefits

AFL Silver Memberships

Job summary

The AFL - Australian Football League invites applications for a Participation Coordinator to drive the growth and delivery of Auskick, Superkick, Community Football and school programmes. Based across the Wimmera Mallee & Sunraysia region, you will partner with clubs, schools and community groups to attract, transition and retain participants.

You’ll coordinate programmes, train casual staff and support school bookings to expand participation and pathways.

Qualifications

• 1–2 years’ experience in a similar role or field.
• Strong administration capability with Microsoft software.
• Ability to prioritise, manage competing tasks and meet objectives.
• Well-developed written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal and negotiation capability.
• Collaborative approach with schools, clubs, leagues, community groups and programme stakeholders.
• Customer service mindset and a commitment to delivering quality participant experiences.
• Desirable qualification in Sports Management or Business.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate participation programmes and build relationships to support growth.
• Deliver AFL Auskick and Superkick programmes with focus on quality and growth.
• Recruit and support coordinators.
• Build relationships with schools, teachers and programme stakeholders.
• Coordinate school programme bookings and delivery to grow participation.
• Support School Football pathways and participation opportunities.
• Assist with transitions and retention of participants.
• Identify opportunities to grow the game in new markets.

Skills

Administration

Microsoft Office

Written communication

Verbal communication

Interpersonal skills

Negotiation

Prioritisation

Collaboration

Customer service

Education

Sports Management or Business degree

Equivalent experience

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Join the team shaping the future of Australia’s game.

This is your chance to do work that has real impact, in an organisation that moves fast, aims high and plays a meaningful role in the lives of millions across the country through football.

Every role at the AFL helps progress the game, so more people can love it, connect with it and see what is possible through it.

The opportunity

Help more people discover, enjoy and stay connected to Australian football.

As Participation Coordinator, you will support the growth and delivery of AFL Auskick, Superkick, Community Football, Nines, School Football and participation programmes.

Based across the Wimmera Mallee & Sunraysia region, you will work closely with clubs, leagues, schools, councils, government, industry partners and community organisations to build sustainable football outcomes across a large and diverse regional footprint. You will work closely with schools, clubs, community leagues, programme coordinators and community groups to attract, transition and retain participants.

The role will also help grow football in new and emerging markets and create positive participation opportunities across key community segments.

What You’ll Own

You will coordinate participation programmes and build strong relationships that support quality experiences, sustainable growth and clear pathways into community football.

You’ll Add Value Through

• Coordinating the delivery of AFL Auskick and Superkick programmes, with a focus on quality and growth
• Supporting the recruitment of Auskick and Superkick coordinators
• Building productive relationships with schools, teachers and programme stakeholders to increase School Ambassador participation
• Supporting the training and education of casual staff delivering AFL programmes
• Coordinating school programme bookings and delivery to grow participation across AFL Auskick, Superkick, Community Football, Nines and School Football
• Supporting School Football pathways and increasing opportunities for participants to play
• Delivering programmes that strengthen the transition and retention of community football participants
• Supporting participation among transitioning Auskickers, female participants, multicultural communities and disability groups
• Identifying opportunities to grow the game in new and emerging markets
• Aligning player appearances with programme activity to support participant growth and retention
• Contributing to key projects and supporting the success of the broader team

What You’ll Bring

• One to two years’ experience in a similar role or field
• Strong administration capability, including experience using Microsoft software
• The ability to establish priorities, manage competing tasks and deliver agreed objectives
• Well-developed written and verbal communication skills
• Strong interpersonal, presentation and negotiation capability
• The ability to contribute a diverse range of thinking and ideas
• A collaborative approach to working with schools, clubs, leagues, community groups and programme stakeholders
• Customer service capability and a commitment to delivering quality participant experiences
• The ability to negotiate, mediate and help resolve competing interests
• The capability to work towards and deliver participation targets
• The ability to support change and contribute positively across a broader team
• A qualification in a related field, such as Sports Management or Business, or equivalent experience, is desirable
• Knowledge of AFL Victoria development programmes and their impact on the sports industry is desirable

Why you’ll love being on our team

At the AFL, you will be part of a values-led team that aims high, backs each other and brings energy, care and integrity to work that matters.

This is a place where people play to win, play as one team and play with passion, while always staying grounded in fairness, inclusion and respect.

We work hard, support each other and create the conditions for our people to grow, perform and thrive.

What You Can Look Forward To

• Play The Day Your Way, our flexible approach to working life, built to support you on game day and every day
• My Development, with coaching, mentoring, on-the-job learning and formal development to help you keep building your game
• Play Well, our health and wellbeing programme designed to support a healthy body, healthy mind and healthy workplace
• My Benefits, giving you access to a range of partner offers and discounts through our AFL Corporate Partners
• AFL Silver Memberships for permanent team members, so you can enjoy the action at Marvel Stadium and the MCG with family and friends
• 6 months paid primary parental leave with no qualification period for permanent team members

Everyone has a place here

Our game brings people together, and we want our workplace to do the same.

We are committed to building a culture of belonging and an environment where people feel respected, included and able to thrive, and where diversity of background, experience and perspective makes us stronger.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are encouraged to apply.

Whether you’re a footy fan or new to our game, we welcome everyone to apply. We know great candidates don’t always tick every box. If this role excites you, we encourage you to apply, even if your experience doesn’t perfectly match the job description.

The AFL is committed to promoting and protecting the safety and wellbeing of children and young people in our care.

Please note, we undertake several screening processes to ensure this commitment is upheld, this includes ensuring the successful candidate to this position holds a valid employee Working with Children/Vulnerable People check and a satisfactory criminal history record check.

Applications close 22 October 2026