ASPIRING young indigenous footballers embraced their culture during a Sydney Swans First Nations Academy Cultural Session held in Coffs Harbour.

The cultural session was held at the Wongala Estate, and featured a Smoking Ceremony, Welcome to Country, art workshop, as well as dancing and storytelling.

Kevin Wilson was one of the local coaches who attended the cultural session.

He has been involved with the Coffs Harbour Breakers as both a coach and player, and said the First Nations Academy had received a great response from local juniors.

“It’s helping to increase the pathway of indigenous kids to play Aussie Rules,” he said.

“They’ve had a lot of interest, and it’s about introducing AFL to kids in a rugby league state.

“One of the oldest boys is from a rugby league background, and now loves Aussie Rules.”

The First Nations Academy is a ten-week sporting program designed to not only increase the participation and involvement of First Nations People across the whole game (i.e. playing, coaching, strength and conditioning and administration), but also to identify those with the physical capabilities and character to become a high-performing athlete.

The ten-week program is holistic in its design, incorporating mental health and cultural education sessions with strategically planned technical and tactical training led by experienced staff.

By Aiden BURGESS