Academy aims to expand its programs
THE Clontarf Football Academy can start planning for the 'longer' long-term after this week receiving a massive funds boost from the Federal government.
Prime Minister Kevin Rudd in Darwin on Tuesday announced the academy will receive $10 million in funding to be distributed over a four-year period, creating certainty for the organisation and laying the groundwork for future growth.
The academy, begun in 2000 by inaugural Fremantle coach, Gerard Neesham, uses football as a vehicle for young Indigenous males primarily to remain at school, which enhances their prospects for future employment.
The new money is expected to increase the academy's participation rates up to 50 per cent over the next four years.
"We're thrilled because it provides certainty for the next few years and we can continue with our development and start new programs," Andrea Goddard, general manager of Clontarf Development, said.
"There's also additional funding for new locations."
Those new locations could conceivably be in Far North Queensland.
"Typically, these would be located where a higher percentage of Indigenous students are, so Queensland certainly looks a possibility," Goddard said.
Rudd said the money will assist an additional 700 Indigenous young people to gain the confidence and skills to achieve at school and make a successful transition to work and expand Clontarf’s reach from around 1400 young people to 2100.
"This initial $10 million investment will enable Clontarf to expand its services in Western Australia, the Northern Territory and other interested States," he said.
There are 23 academies in Western Australia and the Northern Territory.
Fifteen former pupils have graduated to the AFL -- two of whom, Neville Jetta (Melbourne) and Chris Yarran (Carlton), were drafted last month -- yet many more have retained employment in the workforce.
"That is a terrific outcome for those boys," Goddard said.
"It's a legitimate career path to strive for, for all our boys who have the talent, skill and discipline, but that's not the be-all and end-all of our program."
DARREN MONCRIEFF
AboriginalFootball@westnet.com.au
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Last Modified on 11/12/2008 23:57