When QBE Sydney Swans Academy alum Errol Gulden burst onto the AFL scene in 2021 his impact was immediate. Gulden was recruited to the Sydney Swans with pick 32 of the 2020 AFL Draft and made his debut in Round 1 the following season - kicking three goals to cement his position in the limelight.
Fast forward four seasons and the star midfield attributes his success to the Academy and its former head Chris Smith. Gulden may have refined his impressive footy IQ within the boundary line, but off the field he developed qualities he can apply to all areas of life.
“He was a such a great role model for hard work and was really nurturing. He led me down the right path,” Gulden told Sydney Swans Media.
There are approximately 700 girls and boys who participate in the QBE Sydney Swans Academy across the state, providing a development program for young up-and-coming athletes. Gulden joined the Academy as a budding 10-year-old and despite his shy nature the midfielder never wavered in his pursuit for excellence.
“Any kid who [joins] and works as hard as they can and uses the facilities and the programs and that the Academy provides, sets you on the best possible path,” Gulden shared.
“The Academy laid pillars for professionalism that I was able to bring into this environment when I got drafted… I look back and there are so many instances where we learnt things off-field too including diet, pre-season and even etiquette.”
Gulden graduated from the Academy alongside Braeden Campbell who was recruited to the Swans in the same year, joining fellow alumni Callum Mills, Isaac Heeney, Nick Blakey and Sam Wicks. There are currently 10 male Academy graduates on AFL lists and eight female Academy graduates on AFLW lists – which includes a total 10 athletes across the men’s and women’s teams at the Sydney Swans.
“There's only a handful of kids who get drafted out of the Academy every year. But, you know, my mindset was always, why can't that be me? Just give it a crack.”
“The fondest memories I have are the times when we'd travel up to Queensland, down to Melbourne and test ourselves against those teams. And just the fun I’d have with my mates on those trips.”
The growth of AFL in NSW depends on crucial funding to support pathways. Beyond the support of principal partner QBE, the Sydney Swans Foundation is vital in investing in the Academy’s growth and development. Donations enable the Foundation to continue supporting young athletes.
“New South Wales is an extremely competitive market for sport, especially for kids, and there's so many options out there. The Academy provides a clear pathway for young athletes from junior sport to professional football.”
He continued, “Without the Academy, we wouldn't have players like Isaac Heeney and Callum Mills.”
With the end of the financial year approaching, now is the perfect time to make a tax-deductible donation to contribute to the success of the QBE Sydney Swans Academy. Your donation can help build futures of kids like Errol.
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