Thirty-one of the best young footballers from across the state have been chosen to represent the NSW/ACT Rams.

Coached by 2005 Premiership player Tadhg Kennelly, the squad boasts almost an even split of players from both the QBE Sydney Swans Academy and GWS Giants Academy.

Players were chosen based on performances in the recent three-game series between the two academies, in which the Jared Crouch-coached Swans were triumphant (3-0).

The extended squad will travel to Melbourne to prepare for Sunday’s practice match against Vic Metro at Carlton’s Ikon Park.

The Rams will then play three games in the TAC Cup competition, against the Calder Cannons on April 16, then against the Dandenong Stingrays on April 23, as a tune-up for next month’s Under 18s National Championships.

Chris Smith, Academy Manager, said to make up almost 50 per cent of the list was a credit to the boys' strong performances in the Academy Series.

"We're at the point where there were some who were seriously unlucky to miss out on a spot," Smith said.

"Like most squads however, there are opportunities for boys to go in and come out of the side so those who have missed out must continue to work hard and improve.

"And while winning the series isn't a major priority, if they compete well they inevitably put their names up for selection."

Division Two of the National Championships – featuring NSW/ACT, Queensland, NT and Tasmania – runs over two weeks (May 6 – May 22).

The best from the four teams are then selected to represent the Allies - also coached by Kennelly - against Vic Metro, Vic Country, South Australia and Western Australia (June 4 – June 29) in the Division One competition.

The Under 16s squad will be announced later this week.

See the full squad below: