Hedland Senior High School teacher Jessica Albers is the 2024 Toyota AFL Diversity National Ambassador of the Year. 

Albers was rewarded for her work in further developing the Hedland Football Leadership Program at Hedland Senior High School. 

“It’s absolutely humbling; I still can’t believe it,” Albers said after being presented with the award. 

The Hedland Football Leadership Program engages Indigenous male and female students in a variety of training and development programs. These students, whether they play football or not, gain valuable skills through courses such as: 

• Coach accreditation 

• Umpire accreditation 

• Governance and Club Management 

• Social Media 

• Graphic design 

• Sports Medicine 

• Strapping and Concussion 

• Culture 

• Health and Nutrition 

• Personal Wellbeing and Mental Health 

The students also participate in practical clinics and earn formal accreditations, building connections with AFL clubs – the West Coast Eagles and Fremantle Football Club, WAFL clubs and local football clubs for further development. 

“Thank you to all those providers that give the opportunities for our us to help the kids,” Albers said.  

“It’s about promoting these opportunities for our young girls, for our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander kids to get involved in football. 

“There are so many more avenues than just playing footy and these kids can share their passion for footy with their skillset, whatever that looks like, they can be involved and be an active participant.” 

Albers commitment extends beyond the classroom, often accompanying students to football games on weekends to play or officiate in local competitions.  

Her dedication to the program exemplifies how communities can thrive through football, according to Hedland Senior High School PE Specialist, Iain Maclennan. 

“The AFL schools’ program has shown to develop these students into leaders, and they have taken on roles in our local footy games which they may not have done without the program,” Maclennan said. 

“This program has been fundamental in gaining student interest in all different elements of sport and leadership,” Albers explained.  

“It is 100% student focused, meeting each person at their need and interest.  

“The confidence and opportunities this program has created has been authentically impactful, with several students having the opportunity to learn umpiring skills, then go on to independent coaching and umpiring roles in the community across various sports.” 

WAFC Club Development and Volunteer Specialist, Jenne Russell congratulated Albers. 

“Jessica is a very worthy recipient of the award, and I congratulate her on her achievement,” Russell said. 

“The overwhelming response from her colleagues is a true testament to the high regard she is held within the school and wider community. 

“Jessica is passionate about supporting young people to grow and thrive and this is evident in the multitude of small ways she goes above and beyond to create opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people in the Pilbara.” 

As a result of winning the Toyota AFL Diversity National Ambassador of the Year, Albers receives a ticket to the AFL Grand Final, including three nights' accommodation in Melbourne and will participate in the Grand Final Parade. 

Student Testimonials 

One student shared, "I normally don't play many sports, but I always like the Sports Leadership course because we get to find out about different roles in sport like business, marketing and a manager and these are things I would like to do. I wouldn't know much about these roles without the Community Sport Leadership course". 

Another student added, "I've been doing this for two years and it's always fun. We learn a lot about sports, not just football, but important things like how to deal with an injury or how to be a good teammate. The way we do this program makes the learning so much fun".