The 2021 Crows Academies Girls NGA U16 Squad has begun training, as the latest group of talent athletes chase their AFLW dreams.

Now in it’s fourth year, the Crows Academies Girls NGA U16 Squad brings together the best 25 U16 female players from the Crows’ aligned SANFL NGA clubs to build their skills and get a taste of what it takes to be an AFLW player.

This year’s group will be led by AFLW assistant coach Narelle Smith, with support from AFLW Players.

The squad will train weekly at West Lakes ahead of a game against Port Adelaide NGA U16 Squad later in the year.

Since the start of the program in 2017, 11 Crows Academies graduates have gone on to be AFLW draftees at the Adelaide Football Club or interstate clubs – including Nikki Gore, Montana McKinnon, Hannah Munyard, Jaimi Tabb and Maddi Newman.

Crows Academies Manager Jarrod Meers has been impressed by what he has seen from this year’s squad.

“The talent level of this squad just gets better and better,” Meers said.

“As the pathway for female footballer develops, our athletes are coming to us with great skills and we are able to spend more time working with them on craft and game education.

“The program will continue to unearth talent for our club and gives us a chance to get an early up-close look at the next generation of talent.

“Narelle is such an experienced and respected footy coach and you can see the players absorbing everything she is teaching them.”

The Crows Academies Program is proudly supported by Bridgestone.