Two special programs return for NAIDOC Week

NAIDOC Week is celebrated from 3-10 July in 2022, with Australians urged to Get Up! Stand Up! Show Up! for systemic change and keep rallying around our mob, our Elders, our communities.

AFL NSW/ACT has organised the return of two of its most important events during, and in the lead-up to, NAIDOC Week: the NAIDOC Cup and the Indigenous Male Youth Leadership Camp.

 

NAIDOC Cup

Ten years after its first event, the NAIDOC Cup returned on Wednesday, 29 June after being disrupted by COVID for two years.

The AFL 9s tournament is run by AFL Indigenous Academies Western Sydney, which delivers specific cultural, educational and leadership programs to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander school students across Blacktown and Campbelltown.

More than 60 Indigenous students from five schools turned out for the NAIDOC Cup, many of them trying footy for the first time, and all of them loving it.

Eagle Vale High School won the day, edging out James Meehan High School in a close and high-scoring encounter.

In addition to football, the day was a chance to connect with others and strengthen links to students’ Indigenous heritage. There was cultural dance, traditional weaving and Aboriginal artwork for the students to contribute their skills.

A great day had by all.

 

Indigenous Male Youth Leadership Camp

This week, around 25 boys aged 13-16 will attend the Indigenous Male Youth Leadership Camp at the Sydney Academy of Sport, Narrabeen.

They will be joined by the Multicultural Male Youth Leadership Camp participants.

These young athletes were selected for the program, which is supported by Transport for NSW, for their physical attributes and skills, as well as their leadership potential. They come from all over our region including Coffs Harbour, Broken Hill, Albury, Canberra, Newcastle, Wollongong and Sydney.

Participants will be tested physically and mentally as they will get involved in sessions on leadership, cultural awareness and road safety.

A highlight of the three-day camp will be the First Nations Cup – a match between the Indigenous players and multicultural boys (All Nations v Kickstart) – with the best players being selected for national teams the Flying Boomerangs and World Team.

There will be plenty of fun throughout the camp, with lasting friendships forged and memories made. Special guests to the camp will include Sydney Swan, James Bell.

 

Support from Transport for NSW

Transport for NSW is an invaluable supporter of AFL NSW/ACT’s Indigenous Youth Leadership Programs for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth since 2014.

Through the programs, Transport for NSW has imparted wisdom onto dozens of our young leaders about the importance of road safety and developing leadership in their community by reinforcing road safety messages to help our state move Towards Zero road fatalities by 2056.

Thank you for Transport for NSW’s ongoing support of our young and talented leaders.