Page 19 - AFL QUEENSLAND 2012 YEAR IN REVIEW

INDIGENOUS
KICKSTART PROGRAM
In 2012 the AFL Kickstart Program provided a fantastic opportunity for young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander athletes to develop the skills necessary to succeed within an elite AFL environment.
The program consisted of regional Kickstart testing days, U15 Qld Kickstart Camp, U15 National Kickstart Championships and the Flying Boomerangs International Tour.
The program forms an important part of the AFL Indigenous Player Pathway as it provides young men with the opportunity to learn from former AFL Indigenous players and role models such Anthony Corrie, coach of the 2012 Queensland Kickstart Team.
Andrew Mcleod, Chris Johnson and Xavier Clarke are also currently employed by the AFL and had significant impact on the program in 2012.
U15 QLD KICKSTART CAMP AND NATIONAL KICKSTART CHAMPIONSHIPS
The U15 Queensland Kickstart Camp was supported this year by the Queensland Government and was held at the Tallebudgera Recreation Centre on the Gold Coast in March.
Fifty of the best young Indigenous players from across the state gathered to showcase their football ability but also to develop
themselves culturally and as role models within their respective communities.
From the 50 players who were invited to attend, 25 players were selected in the Under 15 Queensland Kickstart Team to play at the Under 15 National Kickstart Championships.
Outstanding performers for the Queensland side at the Championships included Aaron Yusia, John Mason, Heath Molloy, Ethan Morgan and Francis Woolla - all of who gained selection
in the initial Flying Boomerangs (Australian Indigenous) Team. Players selected in the final Flying Boomerangs Team will travel to South Africa in January 2013.
AFL INDIGENOUS ROUND NATIONAL LAUNCH
Queensland was certainly an important destination for National Indigenous programs in 2012, hosting the Under 15 National Kickstart Championships on the Gold Coast in April and, for the first time, hosting the National Launch of AFL Indigenous Round in Brisbane.
The launch was held in Round 8 of the AFL season and marked a significant milestone in the evolution of Indigenous programs in Queensland; a great opportunity to celebrate and recognise the significant contribution Indigenous people have made to our great game.
AFL Queensland
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