PROMISING footballers from around the country with Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islander and Multicultural backgrounds will get the opportunity to take the field in a couple of showcase matches at Brighton Homes Arena on Saturday.

Girls aged 15 and under with Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islander background are eligible for the Woomeras squad, while the Medleys squad features players with at least one parent born outside of Australia.

The squads will take part in a training camp that focuses on both football and leadership, with the players arriving today, Thursday, July 11. The camp will focus on a range of football and athletic training sessions, along with cultural and leadership-building activities across three days.

Their experience will culminate in two talent showcase matches to take place at Brighton Homes Arena on Saturday, the same venue that has hosted the AFL Women’s Grand Final in the past. The matches follow on from the Queensland and Allies AFLW Under 18 Championships match, with the first game from 12:15pm and the second following that at 2:00pm.

The Woomeras coaching panel includes GWS Giants forward Aliesha Newman, Krstel Petrevski, Janet Baird, Imahra Cameron, Cassie Davidson and Jordy Mifsud, who last year tied for the VFLW best and fairest award, the Lambert-Pearce Medal.

Former Medleys player and Western Bulldogs No. 6 draft pick Elaine Grigg features on the Medleys coaching staff alongside Akec Makur Chuot, Nyakoat Dojiok, Hanna Fosbrooke, Bianka Tsan and Mary Daw.

AFL Diversity Talent Programs Manager Narelle Long said the three-day camps were an exciting event for all the players involved.

“The players in the Woomeras and Medleys squads have showcased great football potential and a determination to develop themselves as athletes and people.

“This week’s camp will provide an environment for the players to engage in activities that will further enhance their football development and develop their leadership skills.

“Saturday’s matches at Brighton Homes Arena provide a fantastic opportunity for players to showcase their talent with a view to then being selected in the Indigenous and Multicultural Academies and other talent pathways programs in the future.”

FULL SQUADS

WOOMERAS

MEDLEYS