MILLICENT footballer Zac Bradley had a chance to play on the hallowed turf of Adelaide Oval recently in a curtain raiser to the Adelaide Crows’ AFL match against Carlton.
Bradley was on of 40 up-and-coming metropolitan and regional footballers selected to take part in Adelaide’s Next Generation Academy, which combines the club’s father-son program and elite talent squad, which consists of emerging footballers from diverse backgrounds.
He has made the 400km trip to Adelaide to be part of the Crows’ regular Next Generation Academy sessions.
The 15-year-old – whose father is from Zimbabwe – started playing Auskick at five years old and has since played in a number of school and representative teams, as well as five premiership teams with the Millicent Football Club.
Bradley has been a part of the Glenelg Country Academy Training Squad for the past two years and has already been recognised with a number of accolades in his short career, but said playing at Adelaide Oval was a highlight.
“Playing footy at Adelaide Oval was absolutely awesome and it was amazing getting a similar experience to the AFL players,” he said.
“I love the game of footy because it can be intense.
“I was excited to be asked to be a part of the Crows Next Generation Academy squad and very grateful for the opportunity.
“Travelling to Adelaide to attend trainings has been a great experience.
“I have enjoyed being a part of the Academy and have learnt heaps of new skills and techniques which have helped me with my game.
“I have also met lots of new people.”
Next Generation Academy Coordinator Jarrod Meers said the curtain raiser provided a wonderful opportunity for the group to play in front of a strong crowd at Adelaide Oval.
“Our Academy programs are all about developing the skills and knowledge of the next generation of footballers and it’s really special for these developing players to have the chance to get a taste of what game day is like for our AFL players,” he said.
“Hopefully for some of these players it’s the first of many times they grace the turf of an AFL venue.
“And for those who do not reach AFL level, it’s a wonderful experience that hopefully remains a lifelong memory.”
Designed to increase the opportunities and pathways for young talented footballers to participate in Australian Rules, the academy is a joint initiative between the Crows and the AFL and is supported by the SANFL.
In addition to the talent squad, which is focused on 14-18 year-olds with a diverse background, the club has rolled out a number of Next Generation Academy (NGA) aligned programs including talent carnivals, regional academies and a number of shared services initiatives with NGA aligned SANFL clubs – Glenelg, Sturt, Central District and North Adelaide.
