About
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.
Under the watchful eye of Nic Naitanui - The Naitanui Academy is a holistic program consisting 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 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 2007-2014)
- Players must be registered with the Naitanui Academy by their 15th year, to be eligible for any draft concessions through the AFL NGA Program
- Indigenous – where a player identifies as indigenous
- African/Asian – where a player or parent is born in an African or Asian country
- Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CaLD) – where a player or both parents are born in a non-English speaking country
Naitanui 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, Perth, Subiaco, Swan Districts and Claremont’s Great Southern district.
Program Overview
- Regular training at Mineral Resources Park
- 3 Training squads - Rookie (11-13), Junior (14-15), Senior (16-18)
- Off field education and mentor program
- In-School Academy programs (select schools within our recruiting zone)
- AFL Curtain Raisers and other matches (for selected players)
- AFL State and National based Academies (Boomerangs, World Team and Bachar Houli)
- The Naitanui Cup Showcase. For new and current members aged 12 & 13
- Regional visits and training opportunities
How do I join?
The Naitanui Academy inducts players into its programs through two main streams and an additional open invite phase.
1 – Player Identification (WAFL/PSA)
The Naitanui Academy works closely with aligned WAFL Club Talent Managers to identify players in WAFL Development systems who qualify to join the Naitanui Academy. Those players will be invited directly from the West Coast Eagles Player Identification Officer to become a member of the Academy.
2 - Player Identification (Community Football)
The Naitanui Academy Player Identification officer attends Junior Community Football across our recruiting zones weekly. Identifying eligible players to join the Naitanui Academy. Those players will be invited to join through one of our Targeted New Player Induction sessions held between Term 2-3 each year.
What happens if I’m not Identified by the Naitanui Academy Player Identification Officer or via WAFL/PSA Programs?
Players not identified by the Academy but qualify for NGA 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 will enter an expression of interest to join the Academy and then be notified when open registration windows held. Open registrations are limited, and it may not be possible for all players to be accepted during each registration window. We will Endeavor to offer as many open registration positions as possible, but this will depend on current yearly numbers of each squad.
It's also important to note that players will develop at different rates and ages. Not every player will enter the NGA pathway at 11, so it’s not uncommon for players to be invited in the 12–15-year-old range. We are actively inviting new players to enter our academy each year. Please don’t be disheartened if you haven’t been invited to join in your first year of eligibility. There is always capacity and discretion for Staff to add players outside of the means above, especially in the case of players who are multi-sport athletes or are relocating from other areas.
