VAFA Leaders Selected for AFL Victoria’s 2026 Lead Your Way Program

The VAFA is pleased to confirm that three leaders from across our competition have been selected to participate in AFL Victoria’s ‘Lead Your Way’ Program in 2026. Over the past two years, ten leaders from the VAFA community have successfully completed the program. 

Selection for the Lead Your Way program was highly competitive, with over 100 applications submitted by leaders from across the state, and only 60 places available in this year’s intake. 

The VAFA congratulates the following successful participants: 

• Sienna Whiteman – Vice President, Old Ivanhoe Grammarians Football Club 

• Lydia Holt – President, West Brunswick Amateur Football Club 

• Samantha Rodgers – Secretary, Monash Blues Football Club 

Now in its third year, the Lead Your Way program provides education and development opportunities for women and gender-diverse leaders serving at club committee, board, or executive level. The program aims to strengthen leadership capability by building participants’ skills, confidence, and knowledge, while supporting the retention and progression of women in leadership roles across community football. 

Participants will also become part of the growing Lead Your Way alumni network, joining more than 100 past participants who continue to access ongoing education, support, and development opportunities. 

The 2026 cohort will come together for the first time on 21 March for the LYW26 launch event at the W Club, marking the beginning of a year of learning, networking, and development. 

Congratulations to Sienna, Lydia and Samantha.  

We look forward to seeing the positive impact this program will have on you, your clubs, and the VAFA community. 

To find out more about the Lead Your Way Program, visit the Play.AFL website.