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:
Western Sydney Indigenous Academies
The AFL Indigenous Academies Western Sydney is funded by the National Indigenous Australians Agency and was established in 2006. The program includes around 200 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students from years 7-12 annually, delivering literacy and numeracy support, one-on-one mentoring and specific cultural, educational and leadership workshops. Furthermore, the Academies offer interactive after-school programs encouraging physical activity, health and wellbeing.
The current schools that the AFL Indigenous Academies are engaged with are
Blacktown Academies
- – Rooty Hill High School
- – Doonside High School
- – Plumpton High School
Campbelltown Academies
- – James Meehan High School
- – Macquarie Fields High School
- – Ingleburn High School
- – Sarah Redfern High School
- – Eagle Vale High School
The Western Sydney Indigenous Academies aim to engage, support and motivate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander school students within our partner high schools to increase their school attendance, leading to the completion of their higher school education and successful transition to further education or employment.
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Contact AFL NSW/ACT
Mark Leavy – Diversity Partner
mark.leavy@afl.com.au or call 0468 963 600
