A team of Indigenous students from the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankuntjatjara (APY) lands visited Crows headquarters last week.

In the lead up to Reconciliation Week, the SAPSASA football team was able to watch the players train and participate in a tour of the AAMI Stadium facilities.

The students originate from nine different communities across the lands, all of which have a population of approximately 250 people each.

Manager of the team, Sam Furniss, says AFL is an important part of the culture in the kids’ community. 

“AFL is huge on the lands and the weekly competition, run by the SANFL, is played on ovals made up of dirt and clay.  AAMI Stadium and its oval seem a world away from where they're from," he said.

“Students rarely get to visit the likes of Adelaide and other cities as it's about 2000km for some to travel.  This SAPSASA football trip is a great opportunity for the kids to get an idea of what life is like outside of their communities, whilst also being able to take part in an organised competition, playing the game they love."

Players including Richard Tambling, Graham Johncock and Richard Douglas visited the APY lands (North West of South Australia) in September last year. 

The trip spanned across several rural communities and all who were involved were able to experience the beautiful culture of regional South Australia.  To read more about the trip please click here.

Players will once again head to the APY lands on September 17 this year with some attending the APY Lands Grand Final on September 15.

Furniss said, “Our visit to AAMI stadium was great. To be able to meet some of their idols was a fantastic experience for these kids.”