Next Generation Academies (NGA's) are a joint initiative between the AFL and AFL Clubs aimed at the attraction, retention, and development of all talented players whilst growing participation in the under-represented segments of our community.
A key objective of the NGA's is to increase the talent pool of Indigenous and Multicultural players. These groups are significantly under-represented in the AFL comparative to the population, and therefore AFL Clubs are incentivised through draft concessions for their role in growing this talent pool.
The NGAW Academy program consists of on field training, skill development, NGA game play and off field education, all taking place inside the High-Performance environment of our Mineral Resources Park facility. The Academy aims to continue to grow female football and create well rounded players, empowering them with the tools required to be successful at all levels of football and in life.
Eligibility
- Players aged between 11-18 years (born 2008-2015)
- Indigenous - where a player identifies as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander
- African/Asian - where a player or parent is born in an African or Asian country
- South and Central America - where a player or parent is born in a Central or South American country
- Pasifika - where a player or parent is born in a Pacific Island country (excluding New Zealand and Hawaii)
- Players must be registered with the NGAW Academy by their 15th year to be eligible for any draft concessions through the AFL NGA program
NGAW Academy Recruiting Zones
- Players residing in metro zones aligned to East Perth, Perth, Subiaco and Swan Districts.
- Players residing in regional zones aligned to East Perth (South West), Perth (Midlands), Subiaco (Goldfields), Swan Districts (Bunbury and Pilbara) and Claremont's Great Southern region.
NGAW Program Overview
NGAW Academy
Training sessions that are held regularly at Mineral Resources Park. The main aims of the Academy are to:
- Focus on fundamental skill and technique development
- Allow for greater game understanding and awareness
- Learn training and life skills
- Provide game opportunities and experiences
NGAW Futures Academy
This Academy is for players on the talent pathway and is by invitation only. The main aims of the Futures Academy are to:
- Provide higher-end emerging talented players with the necessary tools to continue to develop and maximise performance
- Improve fundamental skills and understanding of AFLW training expectations
- Allow for greater game awareness
- Develop specific areas towards strength and conditioning
- Off-field SOAR education
- Give participants the best opportunity to develop into a State, WAFLW or AFLW player
NGAW High Performance Academy
This Academy is for players on the talent pathway and is by invitation only. The main aims of the High Performance Academy are to:
- Provide draft potential and academy eligible players exposure to AFLW system and requirements of an AFLW player
- Improve understanding of AFLW training expectations
- Provide education and tools to become an elite footballer
- Learn from current AFLW coaches and staff
How do I join?
The NGAW Academy inducts players into its programs through two main streams and an additional open invite phase.
- Player Identification (WAFLW)
The West Coast Eagles Academies staff work closely with aligned WAFLW clubs to identify players in WAFLW Development Squads and Rogers Cup programs who qualify to join the NGAW Academy. - Player Identification (Community Football)
The West Coast Eagles Academies staff attend Junior Community Football across our recruiting zones weekly, identifying and inviting eligible players to join the NGAW Academy.
What happens if I'm not identified through Community Football or WAFLW programs?
Players not identified by the Academy but qualify and live in our recruiting zones are eligible to join through our Open Registration Windows. Players must be aged between 11-15 for this opportunity. Potential players can enter an expression of interest to join the NGAW Academy via email and then will be notified when open registration windows will be held.
It's also important to note that players will develop at different rates and ages. Please do not be disheartened if you haven't been invited to join in your first year of eligibility, as we are actively inviting new players to enter our academy each year.
For more information email womensacademy@wce.com.au
