iServi News | 10 September 2021 | Term 3, Week 8
The Australian Football League, in partnership with AFL clubs and state league bodies, has established a national network of AFL club Academy Programs, Next Generation Academies, which aim to identify and develop young talent, introduce school-aged children to community football competitions and feed into existing state and territory and national talent programs.
Year 11 student Lucas Naylies-Pereira (OLS4) has been part of the West Coast Eagles Naitanui Next Generation Academy for about five years. The academy utilises the club’s resources and staff to offer an opportunity to develop the skill set and knowledge of the game for young players of culturally diverse backgrounds.
In 2020 Lucas was selected to be part of the All Nations Cup WA State Team (which includes players from both the West Coast Eagles and Fremantle Dockers Next Generation Academies). The team intended to go to NSW and play the Next Generation Academies from each State, with players aiming to be selected for the Australian All Nations World Team. Due to COVID, the team has not been able to travel interstate as planned, but after an exhibition game at Optus Stadium before the recent Derby between West Coast and Fremantle, Lucas was one of six players to be selected as a member of the Australian World Team.
Congratulations, Lucas and well done on your selection!
Mrs Jill Melbourne
Head of Community – Our Lady of Sorrows Priory