Talented teens have the Goodes

Sydney Swans star Goodes was joined by fellow indigenous luminary Michael O’Loughlin for a weekend of football, fitness testing, and education on a variety of topics.

39 boys aged between 13 and 15 were selected to attend the camp, coming from far and wide across NSW/ACT, with the squad for next year’s National Kickstart Championships selected partly based on performance at the camp.

The youngsters were put through their paces in warm conditions at Narabeen on Saturday and Sunday, having arrived at the camp on Friday night.

After an early morning address from Goodes, the group got stuck into the dreaded shuttle run or ‘beep test,’ with the highest result recorded level 14.1, a performance O’Loughlin reasoned ‘would be amongst the better’ showings at AFL level.

After lunch and a round of presentations the boys hit the track again for a an afternoon’s worth of ball work, much to the delight of the man they all sought to impress.

“Some of the skills on display were really outstanding,” Goodes said.

“To see the development of these boys, a lot of whom were on the first camp a little more than six months ago, is really pleasing, and I’m excited to see their continued development.”

Testament to the professionalism the talent program aims to instil in the AFL hopefuls, there was a swimming and stretching recovery session on Saturday afternoon, followed by a presentation from Manly Sea Eagles Nutrition staff highlighting the importance of proper diet and nutrition.

The camp culminated in the group playing a scratch match between themselves on Sunday morning, before the boys said their goodbyes and departed, with sore bodies and smiling faces.

“I am immensely proud to put my name to something as worthwhile as the Adam Goodes Talent Program,” said Goodes.

“To be able to make a difference in the kids’ lives, to impart my skills and knowledge to hopefully help them on their path towards becoming better footballers and better people is hugely worthwhile.

“The boys who progress through this program will become strong young indigenous men, and we need more of them in the community inspiring those around them.”

Below is a selection of images from the camp. Head to AFL NSW/ACT’s facebook page for a full album.