Over the past weekend, over 150 boys and girls from the ARA First Nations Academy took part in a multi-day cultural camp, highlighted by games on the SCG and Tramway Oval followed by a special Bridge Climb experience for all participants.

As part of the Sydney Swans Foundation Match Day Partnership, boys and girls aged between 11 and 18, hailing from six centres across New South Wales including Coffs Harbour, Port Macquarie, Central Coast, Sydney, Shellharbour and Tamworth took part in the celebrations.

“It’s the fourth edition of the ARA First Nations Academy cultural camp. The boys and girls have travelled from across our catchment and are working in their groups through their cultural activities and getting the opportunity to meet their teammates,” said Sydney Swans Indigenous Strategy and Player Development Manager Jarred Hodges.

“It’s an important day as the participants from across six hubs first get to meet each other, meet their teammates and coaches and hopefully find some connection points that they take into the games and more importantly, into the rest of the camp and beyond.”

“Connection is an important point for our people and these opportunities provide deeper engagement opportunities to connect which is vital and plays a pivotal role in our kids social and emotional wellbeing."

Players from the Under 13 and Under 15s boys and girls program played fixtures against QBE Sydney Swans Academy athletes, curtain raisers ahead of the AFL side’s Round 1 victory over Brisbane.

“It was really scaring to be running out on the SCG, but really fun once you got on there and got to pass the ball and kick to your friends,” said 13 year old ARA First Nations Academy athlete Yindii White.

“I saved five goals so that’s good!”

“But the support was so good. A lot of the boys that were playing next, they were cheering for us. But it was really cool because I made a lot of new friends and we all got along and players well together.

“It was amazing to play on the SCG,” said 17-year-old ARA First Nations Academy athlete Bobbi Matthews.

“Just the feeling of being on there, it made me think that I would want to make the AFLW. But the experience was great.

“We had new teammates but they were really good to play with. We spoke and connected really well and did well against the other Academy girls. But we went in to just completely enjoy the whole experience.

The participants were then surprised with a visit to the Sydney Harbour Bridge, seeing Sydney from a new height in the special Bridge Climb experience.

“What an amazing experience. That’s my first time up on the bridge and for the kids, it’s just such an amazing opportunity,” said ARA First Nations coach Chris Tejcek.

“For so many, particularly some of our little ones, it was a real challenge for them. So, it’s developing their skills for them to push through those challenges and push themselves out of their comfort zone.”

“One of the things that I’ve really been given the role of here [during the camp] is wellbeing. So we have had all the kids, working on calming themselves and putting all the things in practice that we’ve got them to use for game day as well as their really valuable life skills.

“Coming to the city is a big enough experience, but to be able to play on Tramway Oval and the SCG, it’s really been an incredible opportunity.”

“It was really scary walking up the stairs over the top of the water but it was really fun when you got to the top,” said Yiindi White.

“Getting to the very top and being able to look over the edge and see all the cars and people down below and across the water.”

Matthews echoed how special the experience was.

“Apparently we were doing a scavenger hunt and then we arrived here and got on the Bridge! So that was cool. I loved it, it was the best experience being able to do that.”

“I was a bit nervous looking down at the water but as soon as we got up to the very top and took some photos, it was really, really cool and I loved it.”

This season, our philanthropic arm are calling on donations to support the ARA First Nations Academy. 

Established in 2022, the program provides opportunities for boys and girls aged between 11 and 18 years old to engage in football, while supporting culture and community.  

Participants take part in weekly training sessions, cultural education sessions and mental health workshops. In addition, a contingent of youth boys and girls travelled to Alice Springs and Uluru last July, as part of a cultural development program, proudly funded through the generosity of Sydney Swans Foundation donors.  

The Sydney Swans Foundation is proud to support the ARA First Nations Academy - creating powerful pathways for young athletes through culture, community and opportunity.  

We’re continuing to ask our Sydney Swans community to stand with us. Your donation will help deliver culturally significant experiences, holistic support and life-changing opportunities for our First Nations Academy athletes.  

Every contribution - big or small - makes a real and lasting difference. Join us in shaping the future, on and off the field. Donate today or find out more here.