Brisbane, QLD – March 20, 2025 – AFLW players are stepping up as role models in a groundbreaking new program set to inspire thousands of young Queensland girls through sport and education.
The Brisbane Lions, in collaboration with Playbk Sports and supported by the Queensland Government’s ActiveKIT initiative, today launched Inspire, a first-of-its-kind digital education program housed on Lions Learning—the club’s new online platform.
The Inspire Program is designed to empower young girls aged 13-18 by providing leadership, body confidence, health, and physical activity education, guided by elite AFLW players who serve as mentors and role models.
By leveraging technology to break down geographic barriers, Inspire ensures that girls in regional and rural Queensland can access world-class content and engage with the AFLW community—no matter where they are.
Government Backing to Drive Youth Participation in Sport
Minister Tim Mander emphasised the importance of engaging young Queenslanders in sport and embracing innovative approaches to participation.
“Inspire is exactly the kind of initiative Queensland needs—harnessing innovation to break down barriers and get more young girls moving,” Minister Mander said. “The Brisbane Lions are a huge force in Queensland sport, achieving great success across both the men’s and women’s teams. “As an online program, Inspire can be delivered anywhere, creating more opportunities for girls in regional and rural parts of Queensland to get out on the footy field and give AFL a try.”
With government backing, the Brisbane Lions are bringing their community leadership off the field, using digital technology to inspire the next generation and increase access to AFL pathways for young girls across the state.
Brisbane Lions Leading the Charge in Women’s Sport
Brisbane Lions CEO Greg Swann highlighted the broader impact of Lions Learning and its role in expanding access to AFL education.
Lions Learning is a game-changer, allowing us to connect with young girls across Queensland like never before,” Swann said. “With such a large regional footprint, we now have the ability to provide real opportunities to more young girls looking to get involved in AFL.
Greg Swan, CEO at Brisbane Lions
Now entering its 10th AFLW season, the Brisbane Lions continue to be leaders in gender equity, youth engagement, and community impact.
Bree Brock, Brisbane Lions Head of Women’s Football, spoke about the importance of AFLW players as mentors.
“Our AFLW players, like key forward Taylor Smith, will play a huge role in delivering Inspire, serving as role models for young women across the state,” Brock said.
Technology-Enabled Learning to Expand Access Statewide
Delivered via Lions Learning, Inspire is structured as a blended learning program (combining eLearning modules and face to face delivery), allowing participants to engage in a mix of theory and practical learning designed to build confidence, knowledge, and physical literacy.
Jon Shepherd, CEO of Playbk Sports, spoke about the power of technology in breaking down barriers to participation.
“Lions Learning isn’t just about education—it’s about empowering communities,” Shepherd said. “By bringing world-class role models directly into classrooms, we’re making a real difference for students, teachers, and schools.”
Previously, Inspire was limited to 40 in-person sessions per year, but through Lions Learning, the program can now reach thousands of students across the state.
The first rollout of Inspire begins in Term 2 with pilot testing, and by Term 3, it will be fully available to schools across Queensland.
Building a Lasting Impact for Future Generations
With the Brisbane Lions, Playbk Sports, and the Queensland Government ActiveKIT initiative behind this product, Inspire is set to transform how young girls engage with sport and health education.
Through elite role models, digital-first education, and interactive learning, the program aims to equip young Queensland girls with the skills and confidence to lead active, empowered lives.
Join us on a behind -the-scenes look at the Inspire program. Click here
Stay informed and follow the journey of Inspire, Lions Learning, and AFLW community engagement via the Brisbane Lions social platforms and Playbk Sports on LinkedIn
For media enquiries, please contact:
📩 Playbk Sports | [email protected]
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About Brisbane Lions
The Brisbane Lions are a professional Australian rules football club based in Brisbane, Queensland, that compete in the Australian Football League (AFL), the sport’s elite competition. Brisbane are the reigning AFL premiers, having won the 2024 Grand Final by sixty points
About Playbk Sports
Founded in 2015, Playbk Sports delivers innovative eLearning and fitness technology solutions to Australia’s leading sporting organisations. With expertise in both sport and education, we specialise in programs for schools, coach education, and academy pathways.
We’re trusted by top teams from the AFL, NRL, and NBL, and organisations including the NFL, AusCycling, and Special Olympics Australia. Our partnerships enhance fan engagement, empower communities, and create sustainable commercial opportunities.
