QBE Sydney Swans Academy player Mitch Kunigiskis lived the dream of every 13 year old footballer during the July school holidays.

While most kids were happy having a kick with their mates during the school break, Mitch was having a kick with Buddy and Luke. And that wasn’t just any Buddy and Luke, but Swans stars Buddy Franklin and Luke Parker.

Mitch, who is in Year 8, has trained hard and shown such a positive attitude at the QBE Sydney Swans Academy this year that general manager, Chris Smith, asked him to help out at two Swans’ training sessions.

“I couldn’t wipe the smile off my face when Chris asked me if I wanted to go to Swans training, I was so excited and grateful for the opportunity,’’ says Mitch, an Academy member for two years who plays for the Pennant Hills Football Club.

At his first session he was welcomed to the Swans by former player and current reserves coach, Rhyce Shaw, and then helped set up the equipment for training.

“I felt really comfortable and welcomed by the Swans boys, they were all really nice,’’ says Mitch.

During training he kicked the balls back to players including Luke Parker and Buddy when they were practicing their goal kicking.

“Then Luke involved me in the group and got me to be a leading target coming out of the square. It was mind-boggling when I think about it, and I’m so honoured for the chance I was given,’’ says Mitch.

He saw how the players prepare with stretching and rehab, and was impressed they were still working hard to improve their skills, even though they’re at the top level.

Mitch, who moved to Sydney from Geelong in Victoria three years ago, admits he barracks for the Western Bulldogs but he loves watching all teams and focuses on the best players.

“I like Luke Parker, because he has such great skills, and (West Coast Eagles player) Sam Mitchell, he can kick so well on his left and his right foot you can’t tell the difference.

“I try to learn from them because I want to take my skills to a new level and aim for the stars.’’

Mitch understands why he was given the chance to attend Swans training.

“I think it came down to hard work and respecting my coaches,’’ he says. “I try to be a leader in the group and set a good example. I love being in the Academy and want to get the most out of it.’’

His dad Anthony says it was a great opportunity for Mitch to see how the Swans players train and prepare.

“He has lofty ambitions so it was a great insight for a young kid.

“He couldn’t believe how down-to-earth and nice the players were. He’s a Doggies supporter but there could be a chance he shifts to the Swans after this,’’ Anthony joked.

When the Kunigiskis family arrived in Sydney from Geelong, at first Mitch was worried he wouldn’t find anyone to kick the footy with.

But his dad says Mitch has thrived at Pennant Hills and at the Academy, and loves testing himself against the better players from throughout the Sydney region.

“Mitch loves the camaraderie and he’s learning so much because he has access to good coaches. The Academy is very well organised and has been fantastic for Mitchell.’’

Mitch is vying for selection in the Academy representative teams to play at the NSW state trials in Albury in September.