AFL NSW/ACT announcement
The AFL Parental and Community Engagement program (PaCE program) in NSW/ACT has now concluded.
Whilst leading to a number of very positive outcomes, the PaCE program delivered by AFL NSW/ACT was primarily designed to engage Indigenous parents and adult community members with the aim of supporting their children’s education at school and at home.
AFL NSW/ACT has now decided to re-focus its efforts on young people by engaging with Indigenous communities across NSW and the ACT through football and on promoting sport as a means of helping the development of Indigenous children.
The AFL reaffirmed its strong commitment to continue providing an extensive range of effective Indigenous programs.
With the support of the Sydney Swans and the GWS Giants, the AFL will continue working constructively with Indigenous communities to support their young people. Relevant programs include:
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AFL Kickstart in Primary Schools
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Indigenous Academies in Blacktown and Campbelltown
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Giants and Swans Academies and talent combines
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AFL Kickstart National U/15 Indigenous Championships Gold Coast – 23 NSW players, one umpire, coaches and staff – all Indigenous
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Flying Boomerangs – National U/15 Indigenous Team – four NSW players
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AFL and Giants NAIDOC Day annual event at Blacktown includes leadership workshops, cultural activities and footy competitions for primary and secondary schools and the local community
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Opportunities for Indigenous families to attend Swans and Giants matches including on-field experiences at Indigenous Round, Marn Grook and other AFL matches
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Support for Indigenous children to participate in community club football
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Strong presence and support for NAIDOC at the NCIE, Yarbun, Jack Atkinson football and netball carnival in Wagga, and other Indigenous Community events and activities
In addition, the AFL’s SportsReady program continues to play a major role in Indigenous education and training in NSW and the ACT. This program has delivered well over 1000 Indigenous trainees since inception of the Federal Government’s Indigenous Education Program in 2000.
