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West Coast AFLW player Hayley Bullas launches HB Female Football Development program

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Eliza ReillyThe West Australian
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Hayley Bullas has launched her own football program titled HB Female Football Development
Camera IconHayley Bullas has launched her own football program titled HB Female Football Development Credit: DG Imagery/DG Imagery

West Coast AFLW player Hayley Bullas hopes to grow Western Australia’s AFLW draft pool after launching her own football academy.

Realising a lack of opportunity existed for aspiring football players in Perth after moving from Melbourne two years ago to begin her career with West Coast, Bullas decided to launch HB Female Football Development.

Having previously been involved in Essendon’s next-generation academy while playing for the Bombers VFLW team, Bullas hopes to give participants a taste of life at AFLW level.

Hayley Bullas of the Eagles marks the ball against the Suns.
Camera IconHayley Bullas of the Eagles marks the ball against the Suns. Credit: Daniel Carson/AFL Photos

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“There a few hybrid academies around for male and females but I saw a gap in the market and the opportunity to help girls develop their football skills in an environment where they feel safe and supported,” she said.

“It’s for anyone, whether you have or haven’t played football before. I’m studying teaching at the same time so the two go together well.

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“There are a lot of programs like this to improve the talent pool but it would be awesome to help clubs be able to source talent direct from WA instead of going interstate or overseas.”

Hayley Bullas has launched her own football program titled HB Female Football Development.
Camera IconHayley Bullas has launched her own football program titled HB Female Football Development. Credit: DG Imagery/DG Imagery

Along with footy skills and drills, Bullas plans to take a holistic approach and integrate lessons on leadership, confidence and how the menstrual cycle impacts football training and games.

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After staging her first school holidays clinic last month, Bullas will soon launch after-school programs but also hopes to stage her program within schools and for younger age groups.

“I’d love to see it get bigger and start impacting more girls so we’ll start small but I’m still trying to figure out how big it can get,” she said.

“I do want to start another program for ages one-six but a few other things are on the horizon.”

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