By Alice Barker
Eight young Queenslanders have been selected to participate in the 2019 World Team and the Rio Tinto Flying Boomerangs programs that will commence next month.
These annual programs target motivated Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders as well as other aspiring culturally-diverse players, granting them greater opportunity to partake in this inclusive sport.
Both pathway programs not only looks at each player’s football abilities but also takes into account their school attendance record and leadership skills.
Since the World Team began in 2011, it has aimed to uncover the best upcoming AFL multicultural players from across the nation and hosts two residential camps, providing players with the tools and education to make the transition into mainstream talent pathway.
The Queensland representatives selected in this year’s World Team are Jake Rodgers (Gold Coast) and Emanuel Kanda (South Brisbane).
Queensland AFL players who began through this pathway including Aliir Aliir and Rueben William, prove the success of this process and give hope to those participating this year.
The Flying Boomerangs program is aimed at 14 to 16-year-old Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders aspiring to become an elite AFL player, with major focus on their leadership potential.
The six young Queensland boys selected this year are; Kaleb Baines (Gold Coast), Tyler Molony (Gold Coast), Marc Anthony (Wide Bay), Daequan Connelly (AFL Cape York) Andrew Karui (AFL Cape York) and Kendrick Tredwell (Central Queensland).
The Boomerangs program is designed to accelerate players potential across three programs throughout the year, with the final phase joining together with the World Team to create the All Stars Team.
Since commencing back in 2006 this program has developed in a highly sought-after opportunity, with multiple AFL players being established through this process.
With the programs fast approaching, all players are advised to fill out any necessary forms in preparation for the commencement of the programs.
