Next generation show off their AFL Goodes

The fourth annual Adam Goodes Talent Program Camp took place over the weekend, welcoming 43 boys aged 12-15-years-old from across the region, for a weekend of cultural leadership and football development.

The three day camp held at Sydney’s National Centre of Indigenous Excellence saw the teenagers take part in cultural workshops, seminars with major sponsor Transport for NSW, and training sessions with Adam Goodes and the AFL NSW/ACT talent team.

AFL NSW/ACT Indigenous Programs Manager, Charlee-Sue Frail says she is happy to see the camp get bigger and better each year.

“The camp is intense with boys learning the hard work and discipline required for training at an elite level,” said Frail.

“Adam Goodes generously shares his personal and professional story with the kids, to instill a sense of leadership within the boys.

“The camp was great and included a five hour training and game session, and despite the cold weather, the boys still participated at their best level.”

Highly involved with the camp were Transport for NSW, who have supported the Adam Goodes Talent Program since 2014. Throughout the camp, the participants took part in a seminar on road  safety – an issue of particular concern within the Indigenous community.

Two-time Brownlow Medallist and Road Safety Ambassador, Adam Goodes said he started the Adam Goodes Talent Program to help develop young Indigenous men as leaders both on and off the AFL field.

“The Talent Camp provides a great opportunity for me to educate the boys about many things but especially about the importance of road safety, which continues to be a serious issue in many of our communities,” Goodes said.

“I’m confident they will leave the camp with a better understanding of things they can do to help drive the road toll Towards Zero.

“I’m also really pleased that next year I’ll be running a camp for girls too. While planning is still under way, the camp will have a similarly educational focus as the boys’ camp.

“I’m really excited to have the opportunity to educate another group of kids on the importance of road safety and working together to continue to drive the road toll Towards Zero.”

Going forward, the boys involved will have the opportunity to try out for the AFL NSW/ACT Indigenous side set to take part in next year’s Male Diversity Championships. Selected talent from the camp will also have the chance to join the GWS GIANTS and Sydney Swans Academies in the coming years.

If you would like more information on AFL NSW/ACT Indigenous Programs, please contact Charlee-Sue Frail at charleesue.frail@afl.com.au.