Crows legend Andrew McLeod will run a specialised AFLX training program for Indigenous youth at the Adelaide Football Club’s state-of-the-art headquarters later this year.

Students from across South Australia will benefit from the latest sports science equipment and techniques, while being put through a series of AFL Draft Combine-style tests with a focus on the short-form of the game.

The pilot program stems from the Club’s new partnership with the South Australian Aboriginal Sports Training Academy (SAASTA) and will work in conjunction with the McLeod Centre of Excellence, based at West Lakes.

Students will also get an introduction to the world of esports, with the opportunity to benefit from the Club’s newly created Esports High Performance Centre.

SAASTA is a unique Department of Education program for Senior Secondary Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander students, which uses sport and culture to engage students with their learning. Students will be able to gain valuable credits towards their SACE certificate.

McLeod Centre of Excellence Manager Andrew McLeod is looking forward to offering a broader education approach to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander teenagers.

“We are excited about the prospects of the new program and the opportunity to support a further 250 students with their educational endeavours,” McLeod said.

“These students will gain great insights into sports science and technology which will increase their understanding of high performance athletes and making positive choices.”

The program got underway on Thursday, August 16 with the first of the 21 SAASTA Academies coming to the Club.