In 2018, the Port Adelaide Football Club (PAFC) in partnership with the South Australian Aboriginal Secondary Training Academy (SAASTA) established the first Women’s Aboriginal AFL Academy (WAAA) across the AFL.
PAFC staff and coaches dedicate their time to the educational and sporting success of school-aged Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander female students.
Each year the program offers 30, Year 11 and 12 female participants the opportunity to take part in the program. The students attend Alberton oval once-a-week during the school term(s) to undertake an elite curriculum, sporting and wellbeing program throughout the school year.
During the program students complete are range of certificates and studies including:
- Fitness
- Sports and Recreation
- Aboriginal Studies
Week in and out the girls studied, trained and gained valuable insights into the elite AFL environment. Students also were exposed to many new and memorable experiences, including for many of them, their first International trip to New Zealand for a cultural exchange.
The Women’s Aboriginal AFL Academy program featured:
- Interstate and International Travel
- Curtain Raiser match on Adelaide Oval before a PAFC home game
- A cultural exchange experience Interstate or Internationally
- 8 games throughout the year
- Skilled contractors/mentors and role models
- Health and Wellbeing elements
- RAAF Base at Edinburgh
- University & Employment transitions
Direct further enquiries to Paul Vandenbergh, Director, Aboriginal Programs, pvandenbergh@pafc.com.au
