Indigenous football continuing to kick goals

By James Matthey and James Raptis

NSW continues to provide great young indigenous AFL talent, with several boys given the opportunity to participate in programs designed to help with both their professional and personal growth.

Indigenous Programs Manager from AFL NSW/ACT, Katriina Heikkanen said: “This is a great opportunity for young Indigenous players to gain experience in elite AFL programs.”

“They are exposed to high performance activities that allow them to practice and participate in an elite environment.”

Katriina Heikkanen also believes that the Footy Means Business program is great for learning skills that are not necessarily directly related to their football.

“We also help the boys off the field to develop their capacity to have a better future in terms of employment and education,” she said.

“There are a number of programs that the AFL runs, and throughout their time in Melbourne they will also have the opportunity to be involved with university programs.”

Three indigenous NSW players were selected in the Flying Boomerangs squad, which is a personal development and leadership program incorporating matches against developing international countries. 

The boys will also have the chance to further their leadership skills when they meet with AFL players during the AFLPA’s annual Indigenous Player Camp.

Earlier in 2013, the Flying Boomerangs played two exhibition matches in South Africa against the South African Lions.

Furthermore, four men will attend the Rio Tinto Footy Means Business program, which consists of two camps throughout the year held in May and November.

The program provides talent and employment opportunities for 50 Indigenous men from all across the country, giving them an insight into how to approach their future.

During the camps, players are exposed to AFL-standard high performance testing, while they are also introduced to possible career paths with AFL corporate partners.

Between camps, participants are assigned a mentor and are required to undertake personal development projects in their community.

The four NSW representatives accepted into the program will also play at the MCG in a curtain raiser for the AFL’s Indigenous Round, to be held from May 24 – 26.

The players listed below from NSW/ACT were selected to participate in the Footy Means Business program:

Brent Rose – Broken Hill
Matthew Spinks – Newcastle
Jethro Braico – Sydney
Zane Litchfield – Narrandera