The Sydney Swans will take a contingent of youth boys and girls from the club’s ARA First Nations Academy to Alice Springs and Uluru in July, as part of a cultural development program. 

The players have earned selection following games against the QBE Swans Academy earlier this year, while the program is a key component of the club’s First Nations strategy. 

The tour has been made possible through the partnership with the Redtails Pinktails Right Tracks Program who work under the Central Australian Aboriginal Congress.

Former Sydney Swans First Nations player, Fred Campbell, is a development coach of the Right Tracks program, while the club’s newest AFLW recruits Sarah Steele-Park and Lulu Pullar were members of the Pinktails.

Sydney Swans First Nations Strategy and Player Development Manager, Jarred Hodges, said the tour will provide a unique and powerful opportunity for the young athletes.

“The tour will blend AFL with cultural exchanges and experiences, allowing our boys and girls to develop on multiple levels and broaden worldviews,” Hodges said. 

“These kinds of experiences foster empathy, tolerance, and adaptability — skills that are just as valuable off the field as on it.

“We’re working with the Right Tracks program which engages young people through sport. It has a great alignment with the values of our ARA First Nations Academy, emphasising not just sports development, but also cultural education, mental health support, leadership, and fostering a sense of belonging. 

“This tour is a first for our club and one we hope to continue into the future.”

During the tour athletes will take part in two games in Alice Springs and Marn Grook with the Mutitjulu community. 

The Sydney Swans would like to thank the Sydney Swans Foundation, ARA Group, and UNSW for their support to make the tour possible.

The following players have been selected.