2023 Diversity Talent Leadership Program soars to new heights
The 2023 Diversity Talent Leadership Program Boys was held over the weekend at Sydney Academy of Sport and Recreation, Narrabeen.
The program includes a Multicultural Youth Leadership squad and a First Nations Youth Leadership squad who came from all across NSW and the ACT to attend. There were 44 players aged 14-16 who were eager to improve their game on and off field at the elite-style training camp.
Participants heard from K Squared to help with goal setting, Kicking Dynamics for improved skills, Transport for NSW on road safety and AFL staff who provided guidance and mentoring, training and match practice.
Freshly minted AFL Diversity Talent Ambassador, Errol Gulden, met with the boys on their final day of the program to share his insights on what it takes to be an elite player.
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Game time
The First Nations squad took on the Multicultural team at Blacktown International Sportspark for an intense, high-quality match.
Both teams were firing with speed and skill, but it was the Multicultural team who led at every change to record a solid win.
Multicultural’s Jerry Kim was a standout performer on the night. The Kellyville Magpie was influential in almost every position on the ground, bringing a dynamic and impactful style the First Nations players found difficult to stop.
Heath Mercer was the best for the First Nations team. The swing man from the Ballarat, but who plays for Willoughby Mosman Swans (Heath attends school in Sydney) handled each challenge thrown at him by the opposition effortlessly and is a player to watch for the future.
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Leadership Award
All players over the weekend were watched by AFL staff for their football talents and their leadership qualities.
Lachlan Price from the Balgowlah Suns and multicultural squad was adjudged the best leader during the three-day program. He received his award from young Sydney Swan leader, Errol Gulden.
His Multicultural teammate, Alex Arthur, from Bermagui Breakers received an honourable mention for his exemplary leadership traits.
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Errol Gulden presents leadership acknowledgements to Lachy Price (picture 1) and Alex Arthur (picture 2)
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Support from Transport for NSW
Transport for NSW has been an invaluable supporter of AFL NSW/ACT’s Indigenous Youth Leadership Program since 2014 and has imparted wisdom onto many of our young leaders about the importance of road safety and developing leadership in their community by reinforcing road safety messages to help our state move towards zero road trauma by 2050.
Thank you for Transport for NSW’s ongoing support of our young and talented leaders.
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