Four talented junior footballers have been awarded Adelaide Crows Foundation Next Generation Academy Scholarships to help them pursue their football dreams.
Sarcha Taylor, Jordan Horne and brothers Jermaine and Justin Miller will all benefit as the 2023 recipients of the scholarship which aims to further increase the opportunities for young people from diverse backgrounds to pursue a career in football.
All four are all part of the Adelaide Football Club Crows Academies - Next Generation program, which gives emerging footballers an opportunity to be involved in an AFL Club environment and learn the standards needed to reach the highest level.
Originally from Port Augusta 15-year-old Sarcha took up football at the age of 7, following in the footsteps of her brother. In the past 12 months she has been selected in the Under 16s State Team, Woomeras Under 15s National Team and Sacred Heart Open Women’s Team. She is part of the development squad at North Adelaide and this year made her debut in the League side where she finished the 2023 season.
16-year-old Jordan, who is only in her fourth season playing AFL, has also been part of the Under 16s State Team and Sacred Heart Open Women’s Team this year. She plays with both Edwardstown Football Club and Glenelg, making her League debut in the 2023 SANFLW competition.
Brothers Justin and Jermaine both play with Central Districts Under 16s and have been part of the Under 15s State Team (Justin in 2022 and Jermaine this year). Jermaine was also selected in the Under 15s All Australian schoolboys’ squad and AFL Boomerangs squad.
The scholarship, which was developed in 2017 in partnership with the Adelaide Crows Foundation, includes a financial grant to assist with progressing both education and football opportunities.
Next Generation Academy Coordinator Jarrod Meers said the scholarship recognises the talent and dedication the four young athletes have displayed.
“This scholarship is all about removing barriers for participants in the Crows Academies program who are developing their football knowledge and craft in pursuit of reaching the highest level,” Meers said.
“We’re grateful to the Adelaide Crows Foundation for providing the opportunity to four recipients this year to assist them in reaching the next level in their football careers while also supporting their education.”
Previous scholarship recipients include:
- 2022 - Ayman Ismail, Reggie Reupana and Krystal Thompson, North Adelaide
- 2021- Joe Judd, Glenelg
- 2020 - Tariek Newchurch, North Adelaide
- 2019 - Aiden Holland, Sturt
- 2018 - Diing Akur, Central District
The Adelaide Crows Foundation uses the power of sport to help South Australian children and youth reach their full potential. For more information about the work of the Foundation, visit www.crowsfoundation.com.au
