The AFL has today announced the launch of the First Nations Senior Players Scholarship Program, a new initiative under the AFL’s First Nations Strategy. The program is designed to support the existing leadership role of First Nations players within their clubs and communities, while creating stronger pathways into the industry post playing career.
The pilot program will be funded through the AFL’s First Nations Impact Fund, which was announced in May, and will support up to six First Nations players, with each recipient eligible to receive up to $25,000 to undertake structured learning, development and industry experience opportunities.
AFL General Manager First Nations Engagement and Inclusion Taryn Lee said the scholarship was an investment in the leadership, experience and ambition of First Nations players.
“The First Nations Senior Players Scholarship Program is about investing in First Nations players and supporting them to continue making a meaningful contribution to the game and communities beyond their playing careers,” Lee said.
“We have heard clearly from players and clubs that First Nations players want to be more closely engaged in shaping the future of the game, particularly in areas that support recruitment, retention, cultural safety and stronger pathways for First Nations people.
“This program creates a structured opportunity for players to build their skills, pursue their career ambitions and share their lived experience and leadership with the AFL and broader industry.
“Through the AFL First Nations Impact Fund, we are continuing to work with clubs and players to deliver initiatives that support First Nations people to thrive in our game.”
Recipients will be supported to complete a course, study program or learning opportunity aligned to their career ambitions. They will also have opportunities to participate in First Nations player gatherings, undertake a short-term secondment with the AFL, and form part of a structured senior First Nations player network, including quarterly meetings with the AFL CEO Andrew Dillon.
To be eligible, First Nations players must have played at the elite level for at least four years, have the support of a senior club representative, demonstrate leadership within their club and/or community and show ambition to continue working in the AFL industry post-playing.
Through their club, eligible players will be invited through an expression of interest process to commence this month.
The First Nations Impact Fund reinvests royalties from Sir Doug Nicholls Round merchandise into initiatives delivered in partnership with AFL clubs that support the growth and engagement of First Nations people in the game.
Approximately $300,000 will be invested annually through the Fund, with initiatives required to align with the priorities outlined in the AFL’s First Nations Strategy: growing First Nations representation across every level of the AFL industry, creating culturally safe environments for players to thrive, and calling out and addressing racism wherever it exists.
