TAL, the official life insurance partner of the AFLW, has expanded its support for athletes in the second year of its TAL Assister Program, which offers resources both on and off the field.
Launched in 2023, the TAL Assister Program complements the insurer’s existing partnership with the AFLW by offering AFLW players various forms of support, including sponsorships, career development opportunities, and mentoring.
The program provides funding for AFLW medical staff, including doctors and physiotherapists, who offer essential on-field care. Additionally, it supports Workplay, an initiative powered by John Holland, designed to assist players in building careers outside of sport.
This year, TAL collaborated with several AFLW athletes to produce a film that highlights the role of off-field support in their development.
The film features personal stories from athletes including Hawthorn FC Captain Emily Bates (pictured), GIANTS player Aliesha Newman, and Sydney Swans player Ally Morphett, who discuss how support beyond the field has shaped their careers.
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Bates emphasised the importance of consistent, everyday support in helping athletes perform at their best.
“It’s often the small, everyday acts of support that help us be our best,” she said.
Alex Homer, TAL’s chief customer and brand officer, noted that the TAL Assister Program aligns with the company’s broader mission of supporting Australians in building secure and fulfilling lives.
He pointed out that while on-field assists are essential in sports, off-field support can have an even greater impact in everyday life.
“What we wanted to highlight in this campaign – and what we heard from AFLW players – is while an assist on the field is one thing, in life, it can often mean so much more,” he said.
For 2024, the TAL Assister Program will introduce 12 scholarships aimed at emerging AFLW talent. These scholarships will provide leadership training, enabling athletes to leverage their sports experience in achieving their full potential.
Additionally, this year’s program aims to contribute to AFLQ players’ success in their careers, both on and off the field.
The partnership with the AFLW, which began in 2023, also includes sponsorships of individual AFLW teams such as the Sydney Swans, GIANTS, and Hawthorn FC.
In addition to its sponsorships, TAL is an employer partner of Workplay, a platform offering AFLW players flexible employment options.
Workplay connects athletes with employment, educational, and career development opportunities, addressing the unique challenges many athletes face.
In parallel with its support of the AFLW, TAL has been recognised by the Commonwealth Workplace Gender Equality Agency (WGEA) for its efforts to advance gender equality.
For the 10th consecutive year, the insurer has been awarded the WGEA Employer of Choice for Gender Equality citation, which is given to organisations that meet the agency’s voluntary standards for gender parity.
