On Monday August 7 Wade Campbell held his final training session for the QBE Sydney Swans Academy. After a seven-year tenure with the red and white, the Youth Program Coach says he has “loved every minute of it”.
Campbell’s commitment at the Swans involved developing the AFL skills of girls and boys aged between 10 and 15 years across the school terms.
Speaking to Sydney Swans Media amid his departure, Campbell expressed pride in the role.
“It’s not about getting kids drafted for me,” Campbell says, “it’s watching kids come into the program and grow and develop into young adults.”
Leon Cameron, Academy Talent Director says the coach has left a lasting impact on the club.
“He represents the QBE Swans Academy values every time he is involved in training, games, and functions,” Cameron said in a statement.
“His passion to develop junior football in NSW is outstanding as he always brings great energy to the kids he is teaching and the parents he is educating.
“He has left a fantastic legacy in our Academy especially in the northern part of Sydney.”
The Academy has been established for over a decade, but Campbell has seen particular growth in the past four years. According to the former coach, the program has been standardised across the state providing equal opportunities to budding athletes.
He can’t pinpoint his favourite moment during his time with the Swans, but believes it’s a culmination of quality and culture that drives its success.
“It’s such a great thing for kids to get into and to show them what the opportunities are in AFL.”
Campbell leaves son and young defender Braeden and, daughter and trainer Hannah at the Sydney Swans, admitting he will look forward to watching more AFL matches in the future.
