McLeod to coach Flying Boomerangs
The AFL is pleased to announce Andrew McLeod and Phil Narkle will coach the Flying Boomerangs and the Western Australia North-West teams respectfully in the upcoming 2012 NAB AFL Under-16 Championships.
AFL Community Engagement Manager Jason Mifsud said for the first time the two teams will play along with the World XVIII and South Pacific in an expanded division three section of the championships.
“This is another significant milestone in providing young Indigenous players the opportunity to compete in our talented player pathway under the leadership of experienced mentors,” he said.
Andrew McLeod said the Flying Boomerangs will be competitive.
“The Boomerangs have been selected from the best 150 Indigenous Under-15s in Australia. We are creating a pathway for young players; giving them the chance to travel and learn from former AFL players.
“To play in the championships against other representative teams will enhance their development and is a fantastic addition to the 12-month program,” McLeod said.
The Flying Boomerangs is a personal development and leadership program for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men that are 14-15 years of age. The squad was selected following the AFL KickStart Under-15 Championships which were held in April. Assistant coaches were also appointed following the championships.
Former St Kilda and West Coast Eagles player Phil Narkle will coach the WA North-West side. He said the WA North-West program was established earlier this year to provide opportunities for players in remote locations.
“Young players will now have the chance to be part of the WA State Talent Academy without relocating to Perth. It also provides an opportunity for the player to engage in a high performance program, which will assist them in their football pathway. I’m looking forward to the challenge and passing on my knowledge and experience,” he said.
Players from the Kimberley, Pilbara and Gascoyne regions will represent the WA North-West team. The team is predominately Indigenous and was selected following a talent camp held in Broome in April.
The 2012 NAB AFL Under-16 Championships will be played in Sydney from Saturday July 7 until Saturday July 14.
2012 NAB AFL Under-16 Championships fixture
Round One
Saturday July 7
Western Australia v South Australia at Blacktown, 12pm
Vic Country v Vic Metro at Blacktown 2.30pm
Sunday July 8
WA North West v South Pacific at Blacktown, 9.30am
Tasmania v Queensland at Blacktown, 12.15pm
NSW/ACT v Northern Territory at Blacktown, 2.40pm
World Team v Flying Boomerangs at Blacktown, 5.30am
Round Two
Tuesday July 10
Vic Country v South Australia at Blacktown, 11am
Western Australia v Vic Metro at Blacktown, 1.10pm
Wednesday July 11
Tasmania v NSW/ACT at Bruce Purser Reserve, 10am
Queensland v Northern Territory at Bruce Purser Reserve, 12pm
Flying Boomerangs v South Pacific at Blacktown, 4pm
World Team v WA North West at Blacktown, 6pm
Round Three
Friday July 13
Western Australia v Vic Country at Blacktown, 10am
Vic Metro v SA at Blacktown, 12.10pm
Saturday July 14
Northern Territory v Tasmania at Blacktown, 9.30am
WA North West v Flying Boomerangs at Blacktown, 9.30am
Queensland v NSW/ACT at Blacktown, 11.30am
South Pacific v World Team at Blacktown, 2pm
The NAB AFL Under-16 Championships is part of the NAB AFL Rising Stars Program, which supports grassroots players and football communities and helps young Australians fulfil their dream of playing in the AFL.
The NAB AFL Rising Stars Program provides recognition and a clearly identifiable direction for a player’s career, and comprises the following elements:
NAB AFL Rising Star
NAB AFL Draft
NAB AFL Draft Combine
NAB AFL Under-18 Championships
AIS-AFL Academy
NAB AFL Under-16 Championships