AFL NSW/ACT’s Indigenous Programs have an ongoing commitment to Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander communities using Australian Football as the vehicle to promote healthy lifestyles/ wellbeing, education, employment, leadership including talent pathways, skill and game development.
The objective of the programs is to develop Indigenous participant’s football and leadership skills whilst also exploring their cultural identity. This is achieved through education on the AFL Indigenous Programs Leadership pillars – resilience, decision making, communication and identity/ culture and most importantly respect and responsibility.
Our programs and initiatives are aimed to support, guide and develop Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islanders participants both male and female through their football journey’s both on and off the field. From grass roots NAB Auskick transitioning through juniors into senior competitions in community football and for some the elite AFL level.
Female Indigenous Youth Leadership Program
The Female Indigenous Youth Leadership Program is for young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander girls aged 12 – 15 years of age from across NSW/ACT, funded by Transport for NSW.
The Program delivered in a camp format, provides an opportunity for participants to build upon their leadership and football skills whilst encouraging them to continue to be leaders within their local community.
Male Youth Leadership Program
The Male Indigenous Youth Leadership Program is for young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander boys aged 12 – 15 years of age from across NSW/ACT, funded by Transport for NSW.
The Program delivered in a camp format, provides an opportunity for participants to build upon their leadership and football skills whilst encouraging them to continue to be leaders within their local community.
Sir Doug Nicholls Round
Sir Doug Nicholls Round, formally known as AFL Indigenous Round, is a celebrated Round of AFL, highlighting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander contributions to the great game of Australian Football.
The main focus and spectacle being the Dreamtime and the G game between Essendon and Richmond, which also consists of all AFL Clubs having an Indigenous inspired guernsey. AFL NSW/ACT Leagues and individual Clubs are being encouraged to embrace and celebrate Indigenous themed games throughout the year in their local regions. These games can be stand alone events engaging local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. In doing so, building and creating greater awareness, education and stronger ties throughout the state.
When planning to hold an Indigenous themed match, please consider the following options:
Footy Means Business
Annually 4 participants from NSW/ACT are selected for the men’s Under-23 Footy Means Business program.
The program provides talent and employment opportunities for 50 young Indigenous men from all over Australia. The program consists of two camps held in May and November.
During the program participants are exposed to the routine of a professional AFL player, including high performance testing, training and conditioning. The men are also introduced to potential career opportunities with AFL corporate partners. Between camps, participants are assigned a mentor and are required to undertake a personal development project in their community.
The AFL have set a 100% target for participants to be engaged in employment/education or training at the completion of the program.
AFL Indigenous Academies
AFL Indigenous Academies – Western Sydney
Funded by the Australian Government’s Sporting Chance Program, the Indigenous Academies focus on educational, cultural and leadership outcomes.
The seven partner high schools include Rooty Hill, Plumpton, Doonside, Macquarie Fields, Sarah Redfern, James Meehan, and Ingleburn.
The Academies commenced in 2006 and have continuously grown each year. The program is available to all Indigenous students from Year 7 to Year 12 in each school.
Contact AFL NSW/ACT
Mark Leavy – Diversity Partner
mark.leavy@afl.com.au or call 0468 963 600
