Player nominations are now open for the AFL Queensland U15 Indigenous Team
Player nominations are now open for the AFL Queensland U15 Indigenous Team which will compete in the 2012 U15 National Kickstart Championships at the Gold Coast from April 10th to the 13th.
From the nominations received, 50 players will be selected in the initial squad and be invited to take part in the U15 Qld Kickstart Camp.
2011 was the inaugural year for both the Camp and the National Championships, which through the expanded Kickstart program engaged 150 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young men from six states across the country.
AFL Queensland Engagement Manager, Trent Ryan, said that the expansion of the Kickstart program has been a huge step forward for AFL Indigenous Programs.
“The program enables us to grow the pool of talented indigenous footballers while providing a vehicle for education, employment, health and participation opportunities across the state,” he said.
The U15 QLD Kickstart Camp is the first step in the pathway and provides a unique opportunity for the 50 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young men selected.
“Players will have the opportunity to learn from current and former Indigenous players.” said Ryan.
“The content remains consistent with other AFL Indigenous Programs, incorporating leadership & character building activities along with high performance testing and football activity.”
The Queensland squad is hoping to go one step further than last year where Darryl White coached the Queensland side to a Grand Final appearance against Western Australia at Metricon Stadium.
Three Queensland players were selected in the national Flying Boomerangs team which travelled to Fiji for the Oceania Championships in December 2011.
“The Boomerangs squad was coached by some of the game’s great Indigenous players in Andrew Mcleod, Chris Johnson, Des Headland and Xavier Clarke,” said Ryan.
“It was a life changing experience for the boys and I’m confident that in 2012 we will see even more Queenslanders earn this amazing opportunity.”
Nominations close 10th of February.
Click the link to download the nomination form
