The “Future Stars” talent identification program run by the Hyundai Help for Kids Brisbane Lions Academy in conjunction with AFL Queensland came to its conclusion for 2014 with the South East Queensland carnival played in windy conditions last Friday night at ‘Giffin Park’ in Coorparoo with some fantastic football on display by all regional teams.
Future Stars is the entry level talent identification program run by the Academy and is designed to allow boys that haven’t played football with a junior AFL club the opportunity to experience a short development training program which culminates in a regional carnival night of games. AFL Queensland development staff and school teacher’s are responsible for the initial identification of the boys at various school AFL programs.
Over 90 boys from the across Darling Downs, Sunshine Coast, Brisbane North, and Brisbane South regions took part this year with boys from a far as Gympie in the north and Blackbutt and Pittsworth in the west. Performance in the Future Stars carnival night along with feedback from the AFL Queensland development staff has formed the basis of selection for the Academy squad.
Players that have been selected in each Academy will go on to participate in series of training sessions and camps throughout 2015 to further develop their AFL skills and knowledge of the game as well as player education and personal development sessions.
Any players wanting to learn more about playing AFL for a junior club in 2015 can visit www.playafl.com.au for more information on local clubs in your area.
