The Brisbane Lions have a fresh hunting ground to find and develop future Australian rules stars with the launch of a new, school-based football outreach program in Logan.

The Logan Lions Youth Program, developed by the Brisbane Lions and supported by Logan City Council and AFL Queensland, will provide tailored Aussie rules skills training for up to 50 students each year, with a strong focus on mental and physical health, nutrition, leadership and wellbeing.

Speaking at today’s launch at Mabel Park State High School (SHS) in Slacks Creek, Lions CEO, Greg Swann, said the program was a long-term project aimed at providing significant opportunities for students in the Logan region.

“Over the years many talented athletes have come from the Logan region, and we are confident the program will see that continue,” he said.

“One of our AFLW players, Courtney Hodder, who hails from Logan, is a great example of a young athlete who tried different sports and is now one of the best small forwards in the AFLW competition.

“The program’s first class of students will learn first-hand from Courtney, who has recently joined Mabel Park SHS’ student support staff.

“With access to not only equipment and infrastructure, but our program coaches and high-performance resources, we hope to see many athletes follow in Courtney’s footsteps.”

The creation of the program is part of a long-standing agreement between Logan City Council and the Brisbane Lions to support the development of sport in the city.

The Club has contributed more than one million dollars to City of Logan sporting programs since the construction of the Lions @ Springwood facility in 2009.

Mayor Darren Power said the new program was about providing students with opportunities for success not only in sport, but in other areas of life.

“We are delighted to support the Brisbane Lions in the rollout of this important program, which will cater to the needs of the whole athlete, not only their sporting abilities,” Cr Power said. 

“It is no secret that we have a wealth of sporting talent in the City of Logan and this is yet another pathway for our ambitious young sportspeople to succeed.”

Places in the Logan Lions Youth Program will initially be available to interested students enrolled at Mabel Park SHS.

In coming years, the program will be extended to other City of Logan senior and primary schools, which will also be able to access support for sporting infrastructure and equipment.

City Lifestyle Chair Councillor Laurie Koranski said the program was another way the City of Logan would build on its reputation for sporting success.

“Council recognises the vital that role sport, and access to sport, plays in the development of healthy and connected communities,” Cr Koranski said.

“We are proud to support initiatives that promote and encourage participation in sport among our youth, who have so many pathways ahead of them.” 

Division 3 Councillor Mindy Russell said Mabel Park SHS was an ideal home for the new sporting program.

“Mabel Park is one of the fastest-growing high schools in our city, and its staff and students are already kicking goals in many ways,” Cr Russell said.

“The school is among local leaders in education and student wellbeing with initiatives such as its Health Hub and Certificate III course in drone piloting, STEM, CityStudio and Catapult activities as well as strong achievements on the sporting field in recent years.

“I cannot think of a better fit for this ground-breaking AFL program.”