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Next Gen Academy

Learn more about the Geelong Cats Next Generation Academy

The Next Generation Academy has been developed in conjunction with AFL Barwon and AFLNT to offer skill and development opportunities for new and existing players from diverse and indigenous backgrounds.

The Academy will be inclusive of all skill sets, which means participants do not need to have played the game before to register.

The Academy will combine the leadership and knowledge of the football department with the best of the club's community programs to provide a pathway for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander players from the Barwon (VIC) and East Arnhem Land (NT) regions, as well as players from multicultural backgrounds who are based in our designated zone.

The Next Generation Academy can provide participants with training and education sessions in the following areas, tailored to suit different ages, skill levels and cultural backgrounds:

  • Skills/drills/game awareness and education
  • Leadership/well-being/mental health education
  • Parental/family engagement

The Geelong Cats Next Generation Academy will target junior players aged between 11 years - 16 years throughout the different programs.

The Academy process will be fully inclusive, but targeted at participants from multicultural backgrounds (born in African, Asian or culturally and linguistically diverse countries where English is not traditionally the first spoken language), as well as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islanders.

Further to this, under AFL Academy Guidelines, the club has been allocated regions of Barwon in Victoria (aligned with TAC cup region of the Geelong Falcons) and East Arnhem Land in the Northern Territory, from which Academy participants can be recruited from.

To participate in the Geelong Cats Next Gen Academy program, you are required to register your details. Once registered, you will receive an information pack about which program is right for you.

Respect for Diversity Policy

The Geelong Football Club is a welcoming place where we seek to engage respectfully with people with diverse experiences and backgrounds. We believe that this will deepen our understanding and appreciation of others, motivate us to embrace our differences and make us richer for the experience. As a result our Club will strengthen and grow.