Young First Nations leaders set to star at inaugural camp

In the first week of school holidays – or Grand Final week in football parlance – 44 First Nations footballers will attend the inaugural First Nations Junior Leadership Camp at Sydney Academy of Sport, Narrabeen.

The talent identified program comprises 20 girls and 24 boys aged 12-13 from Sydney, Newcastle, Wollongong and Canberra. They will stay two nights, with the camp running from 25-27 September.

The program includes skill development, resilience training and road safety messaging thanks to Transport for NSW, a proud supporter of the program.

Aliesha Newman, Sydney Swans player, will attend the program in her capacity as Diversity Talent Ambassador. Known for painting footy boots in Aboriginal artwork, Aliesha will teach the participants traditional dot painting to further connect the group with culture.

“It’s an exciting moment for AFL NSW/ACT to deliver our first ever First Nations Junior Leadership Camp,” said Simon Wilson, Diversity Manager AFL NSW/ACT. “We’re lucky to bring these players together for three full, fun days they won’t forget.

“I hope they take valuable football and leadership lessons away with them to make them better players on the field and better people off it.

“Thanks to Transport for NSW for its continued support of these valuable programs for our First Nations football community.”

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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. It 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, particularly of this new junior program.

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