NNSWF announces participants in inaugural Female Coach Mentor Program

Northern NSW Football is thrilled to announce the successful mentees and mentors selected for its inaugural Female Coach Mentor Program.

Designed to support the development and retention of women and girls in coaching, the program aims to build confidence, capability and leadership pathways while increasing the representation of qualified and experienced female coaches across the football community.

The initiative will also champion visible female role models and create opportunities for coaches to learn, connect and grow within the game.

The program will run from August to November 2026, with mentoring taking place across both community football and National Premier Leagues Northern NSW environments in four NNSWF Member Zones.

11 successful mentees have each been paired with one of seven specially selected mentors and will participate in five one-on-one mentoring sessions tailored to their individual goals and development needs.

The program will include training or match observation, followed by individual feedback and reflection to support each coach’s ongoing development. Mentors will share their experience, provide guidance and help mentees build confidence, capability and leadership skills.

Through these mentoring opportunities, participants will be able to strengthen their coaching practice, expand their networks and develop capabilities that contribute positively to themselves, their teams and the wider football community.

Mentees will also have opportunities to further develop their skills through the 2026 NNSWF Coaching Conferences, as well as access coach education scholarships, including Foundation of Football, C Diploma and B Diploma opportunities.

NNSWF General Manager Participation and Women’s Football Allana Neeve said it had been encouraging to see the program get off to such a positive start, with mentors and mentees embracing the opportunity to connect and develop.

“It’s been really encouraging to see the enthusiasm from everyone involved and the way our mentors and mentees have embraced the program,” Neeve said.

“We’ve got a fantastic group of women taking part and it’s clear they’re committed to learning, growing and continuing to develop as coaches.

“Creating opportunities like this is an important part of strengthening the women’s coaching community and making sure there are clear, sustainable pathways for women and girls who want to be involved in football.

“We’re excited to see how those relationships develop throughout the program and the impact they can have beyond the program itself.”

Mentor Mackenzie Bass is passionate about supporting the next generation of female leaders in the sport and said she was excited to play a role in the initiative.

“It’s been amazing to engage with the mentees and, in particular, to talk about what we can do as mentors in our region to empower and develop strong female leaders in our sport,” Bass said.

MENTEE AND MENTOR