There are a wealth of opportunities for players that wish to play AFL at a higher level than club AFL, dependant on skills and ability.

AFL representative teams are available through primary and high schools, through local area development days and representative carnivals, through Sydney Swans Academy and also through AFL/NSW.

 

Primary Schools AFL

High School AFL

NSW High Schools (public, catholic, independent and private) offer a number of opportunities to participate in AFL competitions including:

• Tony Lockett Shield
• AFL 9’s
• Regional teams to participate at State and National Carnivals

Regional trials are typically held in March with players selected participating in NSW High School Carnivals in May of each year. Players selected in NSW Carnivals then participate in a National All Schools Carnival annually in July, with each year the carnival being held in a different state.

To find out more about participating in any of these carnivals, see your school sports coordinator.

Sydney Swans Academy

The QBE Sydney Swans Academy aims to build and maintain a strong AFL culture in NSW.

The Academy program is designed to increase the number of players and coaches in NSW who have sound AFL knowledge and high-level skills.

Improving the depth of talent and expertise will not only benefit AFL clubs including the Sydney Swans, but also contribute to the long-term growth and strength of the code.

The QBE Sydney Swans Academy program is inclusive and has a pyramid structure, involving hundreds of players in the younger age groups, and becoming more focused and streamlined in the older age groups.

Read more about the Sydney Swans Academy on their website and keep an eye on the club Facebook page for Sydney Swans Academy Assessment Days where you can trial for placement in the Swans Academy.

St George AFC Junior Development Academy

Each year St George AFC extends an invitation to each of the junior clubs in the Sydney South Junior zone, to nominate six to eight U15 and U17 footballers to participate in monthly training sessions conducted by the St George senior coaching group at Olds Park.  Players already involved in the Swans and Giants Academy programs are ineligible to participate, which provides a specific pathway for the next tier of players to gain further development and playing experience.

The program provides local junior talent with exposure to senior level training standards, and assists in the transition of players from junior to senior football.  Not surprisingly, since 2013, many of the junior participants in the St George Academy Program have made the successful transition to senior football at St George, and several play Premier Division football with the club.

The program runs for six months, moving through skill development activities to game sense and decision-making drills. Subject to availability, guest coaches from the Swans and Giants Academies have run sessions for the group, and many of the U17 Academy members get the opportunity to join the St George U19 Division 1 team as top-up players during the season. 

Information about junior club nominations and participation in the St George Academy, is available through Club Senior Vice President and Academy Coordinator Mr Andrew Wynn on 0418 287849.  

Sydney Harbour South

AFL Sydney Juniors host an annual Junior Development Day for Under 9, 10, 11 and 12s and an annual Representative Carnival for the Under 13, 15 and 17s age groups. Check our events calendar for trial and match dates.

For the Junior Development Days (9,10,11 and 12s) players will be selected by their clubs to participate while for the U13s, 15s and 17s Representative Carnival players are invited to trial for Representative teams in late April or May. Successful players play in the development or representative carnival against representative teams from other Sydney regions.

There is a levy charged for each player of approximately $120 that Ramsgate RSL JAFC generally provides a small subsidy towards as a reward for our players dedication, commitment and sportsmanship. We are extremely proud of the players that represent Ramsgate RSL JAFC at representative levels and have a strong record of providing players, coaches and managers to these carnivals.

Indigenous Programs

AFL NSW/ACT offer numerous programs for Indigenous players which aim to:

• Increase participation
• Identify and offer pathways for talented Indigenous players
• Develop relationships with community leaders, Elders, representative organisations, government and Indigenous media to promote Australian football
• Introduce Indigenous people to AFL through game visitation or  sampling and events
• Assist community clubs to be culturally aware and embracing of Indigenous protocols
• Employ Indigenous staff wherever possible

For more information on the Indigenous Programs, click here.

Multicultural and Disability Programs

NSW/ACT AFL offer multicultural and disability programs for junior AFL players, for more information about the available:

Multicultural programs click here

Disability programs click here