2017 Adam Goodes & Stephen Coniglio Talent Camps

The Adam Goodes and Stephen Coniglio Talent Camps were held in Sydney over the weekend, where the best young athletes from Indigenous and Multicultural backgrounds across NSW and the ACT, came together for a two-day camp.

A total of 62 players attended the camps after being selected based on their school attendance, football ability and leadership potential.

Held at the National Centre of Indigenous Excellence in Redfern, the Talent Camps are designed to help the players develop as individuals, athletes and leaders within their community, as well as advance their skill development. Participating in such a camp provides the opportunity and pathway to progress to the elite level of football.

Named after GWS Giants Vice Captain and Australia Post AFL Multicultural Ambassador Stephen Coniglio and former Sydney Swans Premiership Player and dual Brownlow Medallist Adam Goodes, both players attended the camps across the weekend,  conducting training sessions, giving talks to the participants and getting to know the young boys involved.

Goodes also took control of the umpires whistle to officiate a game on the Sunday between the two teams.

AFL NSW/ACT Multicultural Programs Manager Nickie Flambouras was also impressed with the skills and talent on show at the camp.

“The team really improved over the weekend, showing exceptional athleticism and talent. They displayed great maturity and leadership, both on and off the field,” Flambouras said.

“I look forward to watching them compete at the National Diversity Championships to be held in Blacktown in April.”

Feedback from participants in the camp was positive, with many naming the chance to meet other players from a range of backgrounds, as well as role models such as Coniglio and Goodes as highlights from their time.

“Being one of the only ‘coloured’ boys in my team, it was sometimes difficult for me to express myself as a player and person. But now, I’ve learnt that it doesn’t matter what background we are from, we are all the same,” participant James said.

“I had an awesome time meeting new friends, being surrounded in a friendly environment as well as learning from Stephen Coniglio and from my favourite player Adam Goodes.

“It was an experience that I will never forget.”

Following the Talent Camps, players will be selected to represent NSW/ACT at the National Diversity Championships to be held at Blacktown International Sportspark from the 8th to 13th of April 2017.

For more information on AFL NSW/ACT Multicultural or Indigenous Talent Programs, please email nswactdiversity@afl.com