In 1999, player feedback highlighted the need to promote and support the personal and professional development of players off the field, both during their football careers and in the years immediately following their retirement.

In 2003, the AFLPA, the Hawthorn Football Club, and Victoria University embarked on an Australian first in the area of educating elite Australian Football League players. The Hawthorn Football Club piloted the program with 15 players graduating from the STEP Program and being awarded a Certificate II in Sport (COP) from Victoria University. The program was offered to the Melbourne based clubs in 2004 with 6 clubs undertaking the STEP program and graduating with a Certificate II in Sport (COP) from Victoria University.

In 2005 the AFLPA engaged the services of Leading Teams to deliver the program – Certificate III in Sport (career Oriented Participation)

Since then we have seen a gradual growth in Club participation:

• 2005 8 Teams
• 2006 9 Teams, 88 Players
• 2007 10 Teams, 80 Players
• 2008 12 Teams, 91 Players
• 2009 12 Teams 101 Players

The program has been designed to help young players entering the AFL system by giving them skills that will improve them both on and off the playing arena.

Topics covered include:

• Leadership, Team and Individual development
• Public Speaking
• Media Training
• Delivering Football Clinics
• Money Management / Financial Planning
• Fuelling Peak Performance (Nutrition)
• Understanding Sponsorship and Contracts
• Analysing the Opposition
• First Aid
• Defensive Driving
• Career Planning