In Springfield, a new digital program is linking professional women’s footballers with Queensland schoolgirls, giving thousands of teens the tools to build confidence, get active, and learn from AFLW role models, no matter where they live.
Springfield at the Heart of a Statewide Program
The Brisbane Lions’ AFLW team has launched “Inspire”, a digital program to boost teenage girls’ confidence and wellbeing through sport. Delivered via the new Lions Learning platform and backed by Playbk Sports and Queensland’s ActiveKIT, it’s being rolled out in schools statewide.
Over 5,000 students are expected to use the platform this year, with content created at the Lions’ Springfield base, Brighton Homes Arena.
Local School Steps In as Program Pioneer
Woodcrest State College, located in Springfield, has officially partnered with the Brisbane Lions as a pilot school for the Inspire program. As an AFL School of Excellence, Woodcrest is among the first to integrate the curriculum into its learning environment.
Staff and students launched the program at Brighton Homes Arena with Sports Minister Tim Mander, Breeanna Brock, and Taylor Smith. The school hopes it will inspire and empower students in and beyond the classroom.
Making Role Models More Accessible
The Lions say Inspire aims to reach regional and remote communities, where girls have less access to role models and programs than in the city.
Bree Brock, Head of Women’s Football at the Lions, said the digital format helps close that gap. By combining online delivery with in-person sessions, the program ensures even the most remote schools can take part.
AFLW forward Taylor Smith, who also leads the Inspire initiative, says it’s important for young girls to hear from athletes who understand the challenges they face. She believes seeing real players talk about health and confidence helps make the message stick.
Building a Generation of Confident Young Women
Already, more than 135,000 girls across Queensland are involved in AFL through Auskick, school and club football. The Lions hope Inspire will support this growth by showing girls how sport can boost confidence—not just on the field but in everyday life.
Based in Springfield, the club blends elite football and education to help Queensland girls lead active, healthy, and confident lives.
Published 10-April-2025
