FORMER Western Bulldogs player Brett Goodes and AFL Victoria talent manager Phil Partington imparted wisdom on young Wimmera AFL hopefuls when they launched their Next Generation Academy in Horsham on Monday.
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Children ranging in age from 11 to 16 participated in the academy launch, which featured an on-field skill session and an off-field wellbeing and leadership session.
Goodes said the academy program offered children opportunities he had missed out on.
“It’s just giving them the information about the pathways that are available for them going forward,” he said.
“To talk about some of the things AFL clubs are looking for. I think it’s great for these young kids to know that an early age.
“I didn’t get this message until I was probably 16 and beyond and I wasn’t practicing, trying to work on both sides of skills on my body at 12 years of age.
“I think it’s important they get a few of these messages and have a bit of fun.
“Having exposure to an AFL club, I would’ve loved to have had that opportunity as a young fellow, it’s certainly changed.”
Partington led the leadership and well-being session, teaching the children about decision making, how to be a good citizen, what the AFL and North Ballarat Rebels looked for in a player as well as drug and road safety education.
Patrington said he wanted to get the message out about the importance of becoming a leader.
“That’s what we look for,” he said.
“A future in football comes down to a lot of hard work and commitment.
“I encourage these kids to try their best, enjoy the footy and not put too much pressure on themselves.
“They all have the dream of playing AFL but realistically not every player will make it.
“We’ve had some really good players from the Wimmera in the Rebels in the past and there’ll be plenty more in the future.
“The academy set up gives them the opportunity to get involved and introduces them to the game before they get to the Rebels point.”
Goodes offered some advice to budding AFL players.
“Just practice your skills,” he said.
“I had two older brothers so it was easy for me to have a kick of the footy and it certainly helped me develop my skills more quickly.
“My message is just to have a bit of fun and kick the footy as much as you can and develop your skills.
“When you do start getting the pathways you can start to worry a bit more about the serious stuff. It’s good to keep that in the back of your mind.”
Ballarat, Warrnambool and Footscray will host launch days as part of the AFL-funded initiative to assist players with their development. Children that attended the academy session received a cap and ticket to the Western Bulldogs match against Collingwood.
