Youngsters prepare for a big week in footballTHE AFL's 2009 Qantas AFL KickStart Camp will take place next month in Melbourne. Fifty boys aged 14 and 15 years will be selected from every State and Territory to attend the five-day camp starting on Tuesday, August 18, until Saturday, August 22.
AFL Foundation CEO and Indigenous programs manager Jason Mifsud said the camp is tailored to offer Indigenous youth, such as Jake Neade (pictured) from Elliot in the Northern Territory, an experience incorporating leadership, cultural awareness and football development.
"The Qantas AFL KickStart camp provides life skills that go beyond the football field. The five days will provide fantastic opportunities such as meeting Qantas Ambassador Catherine Freeman and current Indigenous AFL players," Mifsud said. "To see the AFL culture first-hand and to hear from Indigenous leaders is a fantastic opportunity."
While in Melbourne the boys will visit the St Kilda Football Club to watch training, undergo AIS-AFL high-performance testing and play in a curtain-raiser before the Richmond-Hawthorn match on the MCG on Saturday, August 22.
Qantas executive manager customer and marketing, Lesley Grant, said the 2009 Camp would once again provide an important opportunity for young Indigenous Australians from remote and regional areas to learn from their sporting heroes.
"Qantas is a committed supporter of a range of programs designed to recognise and nurture the talents of young Australians, including those on the sporting field," she said. "We know the Qantas AFL KickStart Camp will provide a great platform for budding stars of the game to aim high and strive toward achieving their goals."
The Qantas AFL KickStart program uses Australian football as a vehicle to promote healthy lifestyles in Indigenous communities. The program works with State governments to tailor messages for different regions and communities. The program involves children, teenagers, adults, coaches, umpires, administrators and women.
Qantas is proud to be the Major Corporate Partner of AFL Indigenous Programs.
* Click the Photo Gallery to see in full the image of Jake and another young Territorian who will attend the camp in Melbourne.
AUSTRALIAN FOOTBALL LEAGUE
AFL.com.au
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Last Modified on 23/07/2009 21:53