A decade ago, the number of pathways for women to pursue coaching careers at the elite level was limited.
Collingwood’s Coaching Acceleration Program (CAP) aims to invest in upcoming female coaching talent and provide development in AFL and AFLW high performance programs.
Martha Cantwell was one of many young girls who loved the game but didn't have the opportunity to play as a junior, instead playing senior women’s football as a 14-year-old.
When lingering concussion issues cut short her playing career, she transitioned into coaching.
Cantwell heard about the CAP following two seasons as co-coach of the senior women's team at Melbourne University Football Club.
"A friend brought the program to my attention and the first year I applied I was unsuccessful, however I was invited to do some personal development on game day,” she said.
Cantwell impressed coaching staff and was invited to continue with the club on a voluntary basis - when she applied again the following year she gained a position in the program.
"I have been able to learn so much from everyone involved in the CAP," she said.
"There is a great culture at the Pies where everyone is supportive and there to help each other be better.
"I have been able to learn from and bounce off all the other coaches, staff and players.
"I love the diversity we have within our coaching group and how they go about it."
After graduating the program and with a stint as our VFLW backline coach under her belt, Cantwell was elevated to our AFLW coaching panel as a midfield development coach this season.
"I am super grateful - without the program I would not have been able to grow and learn at the rate I have," she said.
"It put me in front of the right people to help me land the role I have at the club today.
"I have developed great networks and strong relationships within the coaching space that without this program I would not have had access to."
Between her full-time job as a teacher and her coaching roles, Cantwell manages a daunting schedule.
"Honestly, it's pretty difficult to find balance and juggle everything," she said.
"Like many others, I would love more time to focus on my role at the club, however, my teaching role is pretty demanding as I am Head of Faculty across a new three-campus school and teach year 12s.
"My plan is to pull back from that to allow more time for my coaching.
"Being as organised as possible and having a good support network has helped."
She aspires to keep learning and progressing in the coaching space.
"I am motivated and inspired to keep working within high performance coaching and will continue to seek opportunities that will challenge me and give me new experiences to learn from," she said.
"I hope to continue to be a role model for others and help develop our athletes to be the best version of themselves on and off the field."
