Mount Gambier emerging footballer Joe Judd has been awarded the 2021 Adelaide Crows Foundation NGA Scholarship.

As well as his local club commitments, the Year 11 student is part of the South East Football Academy, Adelaide Crows Next Generation Academy, and was a member of Glenelg Football Club’s Under 16 side.

His father Brian said the family has gotten to know the 900km trip to Adelaide and back well as Joe’s football opportunities have grown.

“It’s the reality of living in the country, but it does add a challenge,” Brian said.

“We received an email about the scholarship, but it was Darren (Trevena) from Glenelg who really encouraged us to apply.

“The scholarship will help cover the cost of travel, plus a new football and maybe look at getting him a membership at a local gym.

“Footy take up so much of his time and he has done a great job of staying up to date with his schoolwork so far, but we now also have the option to look at getting a tutor if we need.

For Joe, it is another opportunity to chase his football dreams.

“I started playing football in Under 8’s and fell in love with it straight away,” Joe said.

“I just want to work hard on my skills and see how far it will take me.

“Thank you to the Foundation for this scholarship.”

Joe recently met with Crows player and Foundation board member Darcy Fogarty, who said he understood the challenges of being a young country footballer.

“I’m also from the South-East and there were a lot of sacrifices from my family for me to be in Adelaide so I could make the most of the opportunities that were offered to me,” Fogarty said.

“Joe isn’t just a footy player, but also a student, and it is great to know that this scholarship will help Joe with his schoolwork coming into a big year of school next year.”

The annual Adelaide Crows Foundation NGA Scholarship aims to remove barriers for a member of the Crows Academies program who is navigating their way through the talent pathways on pursuit of reaching the highest level.