The Academy is designed to create a pathway for young female umpires and to increase the number of female umpires officiating in the AFL and AFLW. 

There are currently only 1,433 female umpires registered but that is only nine percent of the 15,300 registered across Australia.

In 2017, there was a 15 percent increase in female umpires but it's hoped this will only increase.

“The success of AFL umpires Eleni Glouftsis and Chelsea Roffey has created a pathway for young female umpires to reach the highest level,” AFL Head of Umpiring Grant Williams said.

“This program will complement the on-field development of the state umpiring departments by providing additional coaching and mentoring during camps and tutorial sessions over a nine-month period.