The Sydney Swans have launched their inaugural First Nations Academy, presented by SafetyCulture, kicking off earlier this month.
The First Nations Academy 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.
While one key element of the program is to find the next Adam Goodes, Michael O’Loughlin, or Aliesha Newman, it’s also an opportunity for Indigenous youth to engage in healthy lifestyles and First Nations culture.
2005 premiership player and Youth Development Coach, Nick Davis, lauded the program for its inclusivity and the opportunity it provides for young First Nations people to not only craft their trade as an AFL player, but learn about their culture through various education and cultural sessions.
"It’s something the club should be really proud of. I think it’s the inaugural First Nations Academy that has been set up in sport, so it’s something that is super exciting to be a part of,' Davis said.
"We want our participants to feel safe and able to express themselves. They don’t necessarily need to be AFL players and we aren’t necessarily looking for the elite talent - it’s about coming down and being a part of the Sydney Swans, and connect with the community.
"It’s important for these young athletes to get into the skills of AFL, but also to have that cultural piece and understand their heritage and know what their culture is about."
Meanwhile, Sydney Swans Head of People and Culture Scott Dalby spoke of the importance of these initiatives and ensured the club is dedicated to being a leader in promoting equality and justice for the First Australians.
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"Our club is really committed to First Nations reconciliation and we are really conscious of doing that in a practical way," Dalby said.
"One obvious way to achieve that is to really expand and ensure that all of our grassroot participants have no barriers to entry. We are really seeking to engage First Nations communities with the work we are doing.
"I think it's really important for us to engage with those communities and make sure that the program meets their needs and engages with them through the development of the program."
The 10-week program is 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. It also aims to increase participation amongst First Nations people.
First Nations Strategic and Player Development Manager Jarred Hodges spoke of his pride in working for an organisationthat is deeply invested in their commitment to First Nation communities.
"This is a whole of club initiative and to have that support is really reassuring for our communities. It means we have some real strength and muscle behind us to make this program as good as it can be," Hodges said said.
"You cant be what you can’t see. so we need to make sure we are showcasing our heroes and providing our community access to our heroes.The feedback from the kids and families has been really positive. They want to be the next Buddy Franklin, James Bell, Aliesha Newman, Jaide Anthony and that is really exciting."
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.
