The second instalment of the Next Generation Academy (NGA) has commenced this week with an expanded program giving even more young and upcoming players the opportunity to train in an elite environment at the Adelaide Football Club.

Following the success of the Club’s pilot Academy programs in 2017, the NGA Elite Talent Squad has expanded from 30 young players to 50, and will include elite under 14 and 15 players from all backgrounds.

Players selected in this squad, and other NGA Development Programs, are recommended by the four SANFL clubs which are aligned to the Crows under the NGA concept - being Central District, Sturt, Glenelg and North Adelaide.

Next Generation Academy Coordinator Jarrod Meers said the expansion of the program demonstrates the success of the pilot and aligns with the AFL’s NGA principles of growing the game and increasing the talent pool by encouraging people of all backgrounds to get involved in the football.

“The idea of the elite talent program is to support our four aligned SANFL clubs, but also to better prepare and expand the overall talent pool,” Meers said.

“Our goal is to continue to grow our Academy programs so they are a significant part of the national and state talent pathways.”

The first session for the second talent squad is on December 12 at the Crows’ West Lakes headquarters.

There will be a total of nine Academy sessions and two game experiences for the squad, including a curtain raiser before the Round Seven AFL match between Adelaide and Carlton under lights at Adelaide Oval on Saturday, May 5.

The Club’s partnership with the University of South Australia also means the developing players will have exposure to additional high performance educational support.

As in 2017, Crows coaches and players will assist with the sessions, providing a significant impact for the young talent.

To find out more about the Crows Next Generation Academy, click here.

The 2018 NGA Elite Talent Squad is: