AFL NSW/ACT is pleased to announce Errol Gulden of the Sydney Swans as the code’s new Diversity Talent Ambassador. He joins Aliesha Newman (Sydney Swans) in the role to guide and support First Nations and multicultural participants in AFL NSW/ACT initiatives.

Gulden, who has Turkish heritage, is enjoying his best season in his young career, the former Maroubra Saint is averaging 25 disposals and five tackles a game, and has also booted 14 goals. Gulden has long looked up to First Nations players in the AFL and will relish the opportunity to work with young leaders in the football community.

“I grew up watching the likes of Michael O’Loughlin and Adam Goodes playing for the Swans and am now fortunate enough to have Buddy as a teammate,” Gulden said.

“I’ve long admired the way First Nations players ignite the game and to be part of fostering the next generation and passing on some of what I know is a privilege. I am also excited to see some of the next great multicultural talent coming through the ranks and look forward to sharing some footy insights with them.”

Diversity Talent Leadership Program – Youth Boys

Gulden’s first opportunity to meet with young footballers from NSW and the ACT is at the Diversity Talent Leadership Program – Youth Boys, which brings together the Multicultural Youth Leadership squad and the First Nations Youth Leadership squad.

The Leadership Program gathers 44 talented leaders involved in AFL aged 14-16 for an elite-style training camp at the Sydney Academy of Sport and Recreation, Narrabeen (14-16 July). They will learn skills and tactics critical for their acceleration as footballers but will also be led through personal growth sessions which will help them on and off the field.

Transport for NSW has long supported the Indigenous Leadership Program with First Nations players and has partnered with AFL NSW/ACT to deliver its road safety awareness sessions since 2022. Many of the participants will be looking to get their learner and provisional driver licence shortly, and this session educates them on being safe on and around the road.

Support from Transport for NSW

Transport for NSW has been an invaluable supporter of AFL NSW/ACT’s Indigenous Youth Leadership Program since 2014 and has imparted wisdom onto many 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 trauma by 2050.

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