DARREN MONCRIEFF
Wednesday 8 February 2012
MURRI junior footballers keen to represent their State can nominate for the Queensland under-15 Indigenous team which will compete in the national KickStart championships on the Gold Coast in April.
The Queenslanders performed above expectation at last year's championships, the AFL's first, and made the grand final in which they fell valiantly to Western Australia. They were coached by AFL great Darryl White (pictured).
From the nominations received, selectors will choose 50 players for the initial squad and will be invited to take part in the KickStart camp ahead of the championships.
The camp and championships, through the expanded KickStart program, saw more than 150 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander junior footy players from all States andTerritories compete at last year's inaugural championships.
AFL Queensland engagement manager Trent Ryan said the expansion of the program has been a huge step forward for the AFL's 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.
"Players will have the opportunity to learn from current and former Indigenous AFL players.
"The content remains consistent with other AFL Indigenous Programs, incorporating leadership and character-building activities along with high performance testing and football activity."
Three of Queensland's players were selected in the national Flying Boomerangs team which travelled to Fiji for the Oceania Championships in December last year.
The Boomerangs squad was coached by former AFL players Andrew Mcleod, Chris Johnson, Des Headland and Xavier Clarke.
"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," Ryan said.
AboriginalFootbal@westnet.com.au
Last Modified on 08/02/2012 12:32