Footy Means Business in Sydney

The AFL and Rio Tinto will conduct the Footy Means Business camp in Sydney from November 21 to 25. 

The camp forms part of a year-long leadership development program that links young Indigenous men with further employment and educational opportunities. 

Footy Means Business provides 18 to 24-year-old Indigenous men with exposure to elite AFL programs and training, along with networking opportunities in corporate environments to strengthen identity, leadership and teamwork skills.

Fifty participants for this year’s program have been selected from all around the country by AFL Regional Development Officers based on football ability, engagement with their communities and their potential to serve as a role model.

The program will expose players to the routine of a professional AFL player, including high performance testing, training and conditioning. Players will also be introduced to potential career opportunities with AFL corporate partners. 

In addition, leadership sessions will be conducted about identity and culture, decision making, teamwork, communication, problem solving and setting goals.

Each year, participants are matched with a mentor, including Rio Tinto and AFL staff.   These mentors maintain regular contact during the year to ensure participants are on track with their employment and education goals. 

The Sydney program commences Monday November 21 and will conclude Friday November 25 with the Northern v Southern match at Bus Loop Oval, Moore Park.  Coaches are Xavier Clarke (Northern) and Chris Johnson (Southern).

Participants will also attend the 2011 NAB AFL Draft being held at the Sydney Olympic Park Sports Centre on Thursday November 24.