Last month, the Sydney Swans held their annual lunch to once again bring together an extraordinary community of supporters and partners united by a shared commitment to creating brighter futures through the Sydney Swans academies.

The lunch played an important role in raising funds through the Sydney Swans Foundation, which supports programs including the QBE Sydney Swans Academy and ARA First Nations Academy. 

These academies help create life-changing opportunities for young people across New South Wales. From developing aspiring athletes through elite coaching and personal growth opportunities, to supporting First Nations players build the skills, confidence and pathways needed to thrive on and off the field.

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2026 Sydney Swans Lunch Recap

A look back at the annual Sydney Swans Foundation Lunch.

“That is what the academy is all about; it is not just about elite outcomes,” Sydney Swans Chairman Andrew Pridham said.

“It teaches kids aspiration, teaches them teamwork, resilience, discipline, structure, skills; they get fitter and make wider friendship groups.”

Thanks to the remarkable generosity in the room, more than $500,000 was raised through the Sydney Swans Foundation, ensuring that young athletes continue to have access to life-changing development opportunities both on and off the field.

“The focus of today and this year is the broader impact that the Foundation and academy have had on football in NSW,” Sydney Swans Foundation Ambassador Josh Kennedy said.

Guests heard first-hand about the profound impact the Academy has on young people providing pathways that extend far beyond football. 

Sydney Swans Lunch

We recently held the annual Sydney Swans Lunch, raising money for the Sydney Swans Foundation to power both the QBE Sydney Swans Academy and ARA First Nations Academy. Thank you to everyone in attendance for their incredible generosity.
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Through elite coaching, personal development, education support and wellbeing initiatives, the Academy equips participants with the skills, confidence and support networks needed to thrive in all areas of life.

“It is important for us to support where we can and help drive the growth of the foundation and, therefore, the growth of the Sydney Swans,” AFLW Club Captain Lucy McEvoy said.

"[The Academy] really elevates us to the top echelon of AFL clubs,” AFL Club Captain Callum Mills said.

The Sydney Swans Foundation extends its sincere thanks to everyone who attended, donated, bid, pledged and supported this year's event. 

The collective generosity of the Sydney Swans community will help ensure the academies continue to nurture the next generation of athletes, leaders and role models for years to come.

Find out more about the Sydney Swans Foundation here.