For many First Nations young people, talent is only part of the equation. Opportunity, cultural safety and strong support systems can be just as important in shaping what comes next.
That is where the Sydney Swans ARA First Nations Academy is making a difference. The program is creating stronger pathways for First Nations young people by building confidence, identity and opportunity.
Backed by the Sydney Swans Foundation, the Academy offers more than a pathway into football. It creates a space where young people can grow in confidence, strengthen their identity and feel supported on and off the field.
The Academy is a holistic, culturally grounded program that brings together football development, cultural connection, leadership growth and wellbeing support. Delivered in a community-led, culturally safe way, it maintains a strong connection to Country and gives participants a place to belong.
Its impact is already clear, since the program began, First Nations representation in the QBE Sydney Swans Academy has grown from seven participants to 90.
For Emily Hollingsworth, that impact has been personal. A graduate of the First Nations Academy, she joined the program in its first year and now represents the QBE Sydney Swans Academy in the U16 program. She says what makes the Academy special is that it offers so much more than high-performance sport.
“Not many sports offer a program like this that Indigenous kids can access,” Hollingsworth said.
“There is so much you can get from the program, whether its culture, connecting with nature, connecting with your mob or developing your footy. The coaches bring so much knowledge from every side of the game.
“With the support of the Academy and the Foundation, I am now able to share what I have learned with younger and older people to help them in their own futures.”
That support extends well beyond weekly training. Participants also take part in cultural education sessions and mental health workshops, and last July a group of boys and girls travelled to Alice Springs and Uluru as part of a cultural development program.
For fellow athlete Pharrel Trapman, the Academy’s impact was also felt deeply. He was one of a handful of athletes selected to take part in last year’s excursion to Uluru.
“It has an impact on me mentally - changing my mindset or my goals - to make the AFL. When I went to the Red Centre, it made me grateful of where I live and what I have around me like the ARA First Nations Academy,” Trapman said.
Stories like Hollingsworth and Trapman’s show what is possible when young people are backed with the right support. Your donation ensures more First Nations young people can access trusted mentors, meaningful opportunities and a stronger sense of belonging during some of the most important years of their lives.
EOFY donations help:
- Expand access for more young people
- Fund cultural camps and on Country experiences
- Enable mentoring, coaching and wellbeing programs
- Strengthen pathways into future opportunities
Before 30 June, you can help shape the next generation of leaders by making a tax-deductible donation to the Sydney Swans Foundation.
To donate or learn more visit https://www.sydneyswansfoundation.org.au/about/help-us-build-the-future
