Swans to launch Indigenous Academy on coast

The Sydney Swans are set to launch the newly created First Nations Academy to help identify the next wave of Indigenous stars, with Academy centres to be based in two North Coast locations.

The Swans are renowned for having an inclusive environment with a rich First Nations history that has nurtured outstanding talents such as club greats Adam Goodes and Michael O’Loughlin, as well as current player James Bell.

With centres to be delivered in both Port Macquarie and Coffs Harbour, the first step in the process is to recruit people to the casual roles of First Nations Community Engagement Officer in both locations. These roles will be instrumental in establishing strong cultural relationships, and maintaining positive and supportive engagement, with local community members, Academy participants and their families.

For further details on these roles, please see the job advertisement.

In the near future, the Sydney Swans will be recruiting two coaches in each location, as well as a strength and conditioning coach for each centre. Ideally, all appointed staff will identify as being of Aboriginal or Torres Strait heritage.

Once all is in readiness, the format of the First Nations Academy will be:

Ages – boys and girls between the ages of 10 to 18.

Format – Each hub will train 1 day per week (TBC) for 10 weeks, as well as attend a camp to be held on the Central Coast. Participants will be allocated a training group based on age and skill.

Education – This is a holistic program that will see participants not only develop their AFL knowledge and skills but will also see them participating in both mental health and cultural workshops. All staff will also complete the First Nations Mental Health First Aid training.

Key Dates –

• Talent assessment days (1 for each hub) – 24 to 28 October
• Week 1 – 14 to 18 November
• Week 5 – 12 to 16 December (break for Christmas and holidays)
• Week 6 – 6 to 10 February (program resumes)
• Camp – 10 to 12 March (TBC)

For further information on any aspect of this exciting initiative, please contact Jarred Hodges, Sydney Swans Manager – First Nations Strategy, via hodgesj@sydneyswans.com.au.