Geelong invests in parental support as AFLW players keep having babies
Geelong invests AFLW soft cap money in childcare and parents' room, keeping coaches in the game.
Geelong built a parents' room beneath GMHBA Stadium with breastfeeding booths, change tables, a fridge, microwave, toys and a child-sized toilet. On training days, nannies watch young children while players coach and train.
The club spent soft cap money on this after its AFLW squad had more player births than any rival. Ruck coach Kate Darby gave birth eight weeks ago and returned to coach just two weeks later.
Assistant coach Elise Coventry has had two children while working at the club and credits the club's support with enabling her continued coaching.
- GMHBA Stadium, Geelong
- Stadium location
- 2 (ages 5 and 2)
- Coventry's children born while coaching
- 2 weeks after giving birth
- Kate Darby return time
Why it mattersDedicated parental support keeps experienced women in senior football roles, addressing the shortage of female coaches across the sport.
AustraliaGeelong's model shows how Australian sports clubs can retain skilled women by funding childcare and flexible work. Other AFLW teams may follow.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 17 h ago
