The first intake of the Beach Energy Aboriginal Youth Leadership and Governance Program began on Tuesday with 27 kids from the APY Lands arriving in Adelaide.

The inaugural camp will see the group staying at Westminster boarding house for the week, making daily trips to AAMI Stadium to partake in the program’s activities.

Tuesday began with an induction session at AAMI Stadium’s Westpac Centre.

SANFL’s Aboriginal Employment and Participation Manager, James Moore, welcomed the group before Andrew McLeod and major partner Beach Energy’s Chief Operating Officer Neil Gibbins wrapped up the formal part of the proceedings.

“It was great to meet the inductees, training coordinators, mentors and representatives from the APY Lands communities at yesterday’s induction ceremony,” he said.

"The commencement of the program represents the culmination of months of background work by the AFC and Andrew McLeod and is an exciting opportunity for the young people involved.”

Before the scheduled sessions began, each of the participants was given a Beach Energy bag and apparel pack, made especially for the participants of the first program who will spend four weeks in Adelaide over the next year.

Targeted at 15-16 year olds, the program, in partnership with Beach Energy and the Federal Government will provide leadership and diplomacy skills that will encourage participants to value their education and ultimately transition into employment. 

During the four-day camp, participants will complete several sessions including sports, education, mentoring and recreation with a presentation acknowledging their efforts to be held on Friday.

All participants have been assigned a mentor with McLeod leading the pack.  Mentors from the Lands will also be assigned when the camp concludes, who will provide support through to the end of their schooling and beyond.

McLeod has played a vital role in the establishment of the program and said he wants the young people involved to develop and grow through the activities.

“The program will create a healthy and secure environment where young people can develop, be nurtured, learn and grow as individuals in a program that is unrivalled in Australia,” he said.

The program would not have developed without the constant support of the Federal Government and Beach Energy who are very involved with the camp. 

Mr Gibbins said: “The camp is an equal mix of educational, sporting and mentoring sessions which gives the participants an opportunity to both have fun and learn some valuable life skills which they can take back to their communities.“

The program aims to support motivated students from Year 10 to Year 12 SACE and beyond, while developing and enhancing leadership skills and qualities.

At completion, graduates will have developed important leadership and governance skills that will provide growth and leadership opportunities within their communities.

McLeod said: “I am extremely proud that my football club, the place that gave me a chance to pursue my dreams, has taken on this program and is giving others a similar opportunity.”