This July is the third edition of Women’s Coaching Month Presented by BHP. The initiative is dedicated to celebrating the hard work and dedication of female coaches, who contribute so much to the development of women and girls' football.
We spoke with Mickayla Ward about her journey to becoming an assistant coach of the Under 18 Girl's NT Academy team for this season’s Coates Talent League.
Can you share with us your journey to becoming a football coach?
I have played football for the past 6 years. Having started quite late in age, I was quick to consider how I could stay in the game once I stopped playing. I applied to be a coach for the School Sport Northern Territory Championships. This opportunity paved the way for me to become an AFL coach.
What are your current/previous coaching roles?
My first role as a coach was for School Sport Northern Territory Championships, where I coached the Under 12 Darwin Region team in 2021 and 2022. While playing Seniors at Nightcliff Football Club, there was always a push for players to get involved with Juniors, so I started coaching the Under 16 Girls side and have done so for the past two years. I am also taking part in the NT She Can Coach Program this year, as an assistant coach for the Under 18 Girls NT Academy team for this season’s Coates Talent League.
What were some of the challenges you faced as a female coach in the industry?
I think one of the biggest challenges women and girls’ coaches face is developing their confidence in the role. Speaking generally, males who have played the game for a longer period naturally have more confidence to coach others. I urge women and girls to back themselves and find a mentor to help them get started.
Could you share a pivotal moment in your coaching career that significantly influenced your coaching philosophy?
My VFLW coach, Sean Kavanagh, was always very clear with his teachings and focus on game development. I want to make sure players recognise their strengths, acknowledge their progress, and identify strategies to better themselves. This is more likely to be achieved if the coach can communicate with clarity and transparency.
My TIO NTFL Women’s Premier League coach, Shannon Millar, set an extremely high standard and expected commitment and accountability from all players. This was achieved through building strong relationships and establishing a culture of positivity, persistence, and hard work.
The principles and approach taken by both Sean and Shannon have contributed to the development of my own coaching philosophy.
What advice would you give to young, aspiring female coaches?
If you currently play AFL and are considering becoming a coach in the future, use training sessions as an opportunity to ask questions and develop a better understanding of the role. It’s important to build your understanding of the game, team structures, and training drills so that you can one day teach these skills to others.
As a coach, be aware of the purpose behind everything you do. Having this awareness will help you develop trust between yourself and the players.
If you are unsure whether you’re capable of becoming a coach, just have a go! Build a great team around you, who are willing to support your development, and take up any opportunity to assist coaching juniors to get started.
How do you envision the future of women in football coaching?
The statistics are already great in the NT, with women and girls making up 40% of all accredited coaches. We are seeing more women and girls in coaching roles and I expect to see this expanding in the future. It would be fantastic to see more women coaching in the Men’s and Women’s Premier League!
