The Sydney Swans First Nations Academy Trials, presented by SafetyCulture, is a sporting program designed to not only increase the participation and involvement of First Nations People across the whole of game, i.e. playing, coaching, strength and conditioning and administration. But also identify those with the physical capabilities and character to become a high-performing athlete.

The ten-week program will be holistic in its design, incorporating mental health and cultural education sessions with strategically planned technical and tactical training led by experienced staff. The program will provide a culturally safe and inclusive environment, fostering a greater sense of belonging and connection to AFL and the broader Sydney Swans family.

At the conclusion of the program, identified talent will be offered the opportunity to advance to a fully funded scholarship position with the QBE Sydney Swans Academy.

Format
- First Nations Boys and Girls aged 10 – 17
- 9 x training sessions and 1 x camp
- Mental health training for staff
- 4 x mental health education sessions
- 2 x cultural education sessions

Eligibility 

The program is open to both males and females aged 10 – 17 years of age. To be eligible to apply for the First Nations Academy, a person must firstly be of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent. In addition, to be eligible for the Swans Academy, the applicant must be ‘endorsed’ by the Swans Academy staff, the endorsement will cover both the physical and emotional / personal qualities of the applicant:

Centres 
- Coffs Harbour - From Monday 31 October. Fitzroy Oval, Coff Street, Coffs Harbour
- Port Macquarie - From Tuesday 1 November. Wayne Richards Park, Koala Street, Port Macquarie
- Sydney - From Wednesday 2 November. McKay Fields - Centennial Park
- Central Coast/Hunter - From Thursday 3 November. Ourimbah Soccer Oval, Chittaway Road, Ourimbah
- Illawarra - Shellharbour - From Friday 4 November. Myimbarr Oval/Fields, Wattle Road, Shellharbour.

Click here to register for the Sydney Swans First Nation Academy, presented by SafetyCulture