In an exciting new addition to the current partnership, AccorHotels will provide career opportunities in hospitality to women in the AFLW allowing them the flexibility to compete at an elite level, and a shared commitment to increasing employment and development opportunities to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples through AccorHotels’ Indigenous Employment Program.

With a network of over 380 hotels across Australia and the Pacific region, for the last five years AccorHotels has delivered a first-class off-field experience to the AFL to enable teams to perform at their best, and for optimum performance recovery.

The partnership extension goes beyond providing accommodation and will enable both organisations to focus on their shared vision and objectives which include; ambitious youth employment and leadership goals, the development of a dedicated AFL Indigenous youth traineeship program, support for young women athletes and their families through education and employment scholarships, and share Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture with the broader community.

AccorHotels Chief Operating Officer Pacific, Simon McGrath, said “The relationships and trust that has been established with the AFL and individual clubs across our hotel network remain vital to our ability to deliver the optimal level of support to the players and the clubs.

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AccorHotels Chief Operating Officer Pacific, Simon McGrath

“Working together, our combined vision is to elevate our strong partnership to increase the representation and leadership of women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples in our respective industries.

“We do this through our expertise, vast networks and our brand reach to create meaningful career opportunities, leadership development and cultural engagement in our collective communities.

“We are thrilled that the AFL has selected to stay with AccorHotels for a further four years and we look forward to working with the AFL, its clubs, stakeholders, communities and fans to further play an active role in the evolution of the game and through this, providing opportunities to women, Indigenous and youth development.”

AFL General Manager of Commercial, Kylie Rogers, welcomed the partnership extension.

“We are proud to be continuing our partnership with AccorHotels, an organisation that shares the same values as the AFL” she said.

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(L-R) Sarah Derry - Accor Hotels Vice President Talent and Culture, Renae Trimble - Accor Hotels Vice President Sales, Digital & Loyalty, Australia, Kylie Rogers - AFL General Manager Commercial, Tanya Hosch - AFL General Manager Inclusion & Social Policy, Kirby Bentley - AFLW Carlton Player and Nicole Livingstone - AFL Head of Women's Football pose for a photograph during the AFL and AccorHotels Special Announcement at Pullman on the Park on November 9, 2018 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Media)

“Supporting the employment program is another step in the AFL’s commitment to increasing the presence of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women in relative industries.

“Providing these women with endless opportunities to progress off the field ensures long-term growth and a sense of security for life after football.”

“It is important to continue partnerships with companies who support our values of diversity and inclusion. We are thrilled to be supporting the new employment program and cannot wait to witness the wonderful outcomes and opportunities it provides for women in sport.” Ms Rogers said.

AccorHotels has the broad range of accommodation styles to suits the needs of the AFL and its clubs across every state and territory, including many hotels located close to stadiums which host AFL games such as Sydney Olympic Park and the MCG. Hotel brands cover the full spectrum from 5-star Sofitel and Pullman hotels, through to mid-market Novotel and Mercure, apartment-style brands such as Quay West, The Sebel and Grand Mercure to economy ibis hotels.