THE 2008 Qantas AFL KickStart Camp will take place in July, with 50 boys aged 14 and 15 to be selected by state development officers from every state and territory to attend a five-day camp in Melbourne.

The camp will run from Tuesday July 15 until Sunday July 20. 

AFL Youth and High Performance Co-Ordinator, Jason McCartney said the camp is designed to offer Indigenous youth a unique football and educational experience.

“The Qantas KickStart camp provides leadership, education and life skills that will last a lifetime. The six days will provide fantastic opportunities such as meeting Michael Long, Cathy Freeman and current Indigenous AFL players.

“For many this will be the first opportunity to visit Melbourne and see the AFL culture first hand,” McCartney said.

While in Melbourne the boys will visit Arden Street to watch North Melbourne train, undergo AIS-AFL high performance testing and a play in a curtain-raiser before the Richmond v Essendon match on the MCG Saturday July 19.

Qantas Marketing Manager Jenny Gulliver said the camp provided an important opportunity for young Australians in regional areas to connect with their sporting heroes.

“Qantas is committed to recognising and nurturing the sporting talents of young Australians,” she said.

“We hope the camp will encourage our budding sports stars to connect with their dreams and strive towards reaching their goals.”

The Qantas AFL KickStart program uses Australian football as a vehicle to promote healthy lifestyles in Indigenous communities. The program works with state governments to tailor messages for different regions and communities.

The final squad will be released in early July.