KickStart Camp visits Taronga Zoo

Fifty Indigenous AFL players from every state and territory in Australia have been in Sydney this week for the AFL KickStart Camp.

Throughout the week the boys aged 14 and 15 will be involved in a number of activities while they train for the biggest match of their young lives, when they play the curtain-raiser to the Sydney Swans and Western Bulldogs match on Saturday, August 21.

On Wednesday, the camp toured Sydney’s iconic Taronga Zoo before boarding a ferry to take a look at the Opera House and then they made their way to Pitt Street Mall for some shopping.

AFL Engagement and Talent Coordinator and former Sydney Swan Michael O’Loughlin said the camp provides elite on-field training, while there is also a focus on cultural awareness and personal development.

“The Qantas AFL KickStart Camp itinerary is a balance of activities on and off the playing field. We aim to provide the young men with skills they can take home to enhance both their football development and life at home and at school,” Michael said.

Some of the camp’s itinerary will see the boys visit the Sydney Cricket Ground to watch the Sydney Swans train, undergo high performance testing, tour the Qantas A380 and meet Qantas Ambassador Catherine Freeman.

Qantas CEO, Mr Alan Joyce, said it was exciting for the 2010 camp to be in Sydney for the first time.

“Qantas is a proud partner of the AFL’s Indigenous programs and the annual KickStart Camp is a highlight. I look forward to meeting these talented young players and hope that this week provides opportunities and lessons that help them reach their dreams and goals,” Mr Joyce said.