More than 80 children and youths from the APY Lands community took part in a masterclass session with Crows AFLW players Eloise Jones, Danielle Ponter, Stevie-Lee Thompson and Zoe Prowse this week.

The Adelaide Crows Foundation organised the event at Ernabella Oval in in celebration of the first APY Football League, which has just been completed.

It was supported by Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara Education Committee (PYEC).

The visit was part of the Crows Foundation’s Crows On Country program – a tailored, culturally inclusive education program, which aims to translate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students’ love and passion for AFL to increase school attendance and literacy in science and mathematics.

The Foundation’s community team supported the AFLW players in the delivery of the masterclass while also visiting Fregon Anangu and Ernabella Anangu schools to deliver a Crows on Country professional development session to classroom teachers.

Reflecting on her first trip to the APY Lands, Eloise Jones said the Club’s regular visits to the region were important and she was eager to return.

“It was amazing, eye opening, it’s a beautiful place and the people are so welcoming,” Jones said of the APY Lands.

“We had a great turnout at the masterclass and it was a lot of fun having a kick and a catch with so many kids from the community.

“There’s huge upside in these trips for everyone. For me, it was an important educational experience and I loved the opportunity to learn more about Indigenous culture and the connection they have to the land, and even to footy.

“I just love the connection that footy provides, it brings everyone together.”

Through existing and new programs and partnerships, the Adelaide Crows Foundation uses the power of sport to engage with and inspire the next generation.

The trip was supported by Kulbardi and the Bibbulmun Fund.