The next generation of Multicultural and Indigenous talent was on show at Adelaide Football Club on Tuesday when the Club kicked off its Next Generation Academy.
Designed to increase the opportunities for young people from all backgrounds to participate in Australian Rules, the Academy is a joint initiative between the Crows and the AFL.
It will drive a number of activities including Multicultural and Indigenous Carnivals, Benchmarking Talent Days, Clinics, Pilot School Programs, as well as the Next Generation Academy Talent Squad to increase and further develop the talent pool of young aspiring athletes who want to play Australian Rules.
The inaugural Talent Squad, which is focused on 14-17 year-olds with a Multicultural or remote Indigenous background, came together at the Club for the first time this week.
The squad consists of 22 young athletes from across South Australia who have been identified in partnership with aligned SANFL Clubs.
Members of the squad will participate in regular football skill development and education sessions with the Crows during the next year, covering topics including football craft, strength and conditioning, nutrition, recovery, personal development, recruiting expectations and more. The squad will have access to Club facilities, high performance and welfare staff, as well as sessions with coaching staff and players delivering key messages.
The sessions are designed to value-add to the U16/U18 SANFL pathway programs the young athletes are already engaged in.
Crows Head of Football Brett Burton said the Academy was designed to attract more participants to the game and support and help to develop future talent for the Club and the wider AFL.
“The Academy is open to all, but has a focus on Multicultural and Indigenous communities where youth may not have as much opportunity to be involved in football programs,” Burton said.
“It’s really about identifying, engaging with and developing youth from diverse backgrounds to ensure they achieve their potential.
“We’re encouraging young individuals to check the Academy categories eligibility checklist and register to become involved.”
The Crows Next Generation Academy will operate in collaboration with the following aligned SANFL hubs: Central District, Glenelg, North Adelaide and Sturt, as well as the eastern side of the APY Lands.
To find out more about the Crows Next Generation Academy click here
