New AFL program set to empower Western Sydney’s young First Nations athletes

Jackson Clark Published October 10, 2025 at 7.00am (AWST)

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A new AFL program will help Western Sydney's First Nations aspiring footballers. (Image: AFL NSW/ACT)

A new grassroots initiative is giving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth in Western Sydney the chance to strengthen their football skills while celebrating culture and community.

Launching later this month, the Indigenous Future Stars program is an eight-week experience combining fitness, cultural learning, and education.

The free initiative is open to First Nations participants aged 11 to 14 and aims to nurture the next generation of footballers both on and off the field.

Delivered across the Campbelltown and Blacktown regions in New South Wales, the program has been developed in close collaboration with local Aboriginal Education Officers and community organisations to make sure it reflects the priorities and strengths of the communities it serves.

Supported by the GWS Giants, Indigenous Future Stars is designed to be an entry point into the AFL talent pathway, helping young participants build foundational skills and explore opportunities to pursue higher levels of competition.

AFLW midfielder Aliesha Newman – a proud Ningy Ningy woman – will play a key mentoring role and lead sessions across the eight-week schedule.

AFLW player Aliesha Newman will be heavily involved in the program. (Image: Dave Hunt (AAP)

Head of AFL NSW/ACT, Andrew Varasdi, said the new program aims to be far more than just a sporting initiative – highlighting its focus on community connection, cultural pride, and personal development:

"The Indigenous Future Stars is about more than just AFL – it's a pathway that empowers young First Nations people to grow strong in mind, body, culture and community," Varasdi said.

"Leaders from the Campbelltown and Blacktown LGAs have told us what their communities need to thrive. Through the Indigenous Future Stars, we've endeavoured to create a space that reflects these needs while embracing participants' heritage and helping them master new skills on and off the field.

"Participants' journey through the program will nurture not only their AFL talents, but cultural connection and sense of community, and we look forward to welcoming the first recruits of the Indigenous Future Stars into the program later this month."

The Campbelltown sessions will be hosted at PCYC Campbelltown from Monday, 20 October, while Kimberwalli in Blacktown will run its program beginning Tuesday, 21 October.