The AFL is delighted to partner with 5th Quarter Camps, a specialised footy program for NSW children and youth aged 6-16 years, founded by Toby Greene and Isaac Heeney.
5th Quarter Camps aim to equip participants with skills, knowledge, and confidence to become the best footballers they can be while also having fun and learning other valuable insights from champions of the game.
The inaugural 5th Quarter Camps program will commence during the final week of the spring school holidays on 4 and 5 October 2023 at GIANTS HQ, VAILO Community Centre.
The program will be delivered in conjunction with AFL NSW/ACT, which is playing a significant role in supporting the project with experienced coaches and equipment.
Greene and Heeney will be joined by AFLW stars Alyce Parker (GIANTS) and Chloe Molloy (Sydney Swans) for two interactive clinics featuring skills, drills, and games focused on teaching the basics of footy in an authentic way.
"We created the 5th Quarter Camps through a shared passion for teaching Aussie Rules to the next generation of kids, with a vision of growing the game in the NSW market," Greene said.
"Some of the best experiences I had as a kid was going to footy clinics held by the stars of the game. Those clinics impacted me as a player and a person, and we want to provide the kids of NSW with the same opportunities to connect with footy and all the benefits that come with being a part of a football community."
Heeney added: "There is so much to gain from getting involved in footy, it doesn’t matter what background or ability you have - footy is a safe and inclusive environment and provides kids with confidence both on and off the field.
"The AFL has been so supportive of our vision from the outset and partnering with AFL NSW/ACT allows us to increase the opportunities for kids to participate and engage in footy at the grassroots level."
The first 200 participants who register for both days of the 5th Quarter Camps' October clinics will receive $50 off if they use the code 'harveynorman’, thanks to program partner, Harvey Norman.
Each participant will receive an exclusive 5th Quarter Camps '5th Kit’ including a t-shirt and partner merchandise.
5th Quarter Camps can accommodate kids and youth of all abilities and skill levels, from those wanting to take their footy to the next level or those who want to connect with their friends and community.
The partnership between 5th Quarter Camps and the AFL will also provide local coaches with hands-on experience working with the game’s elite players, with Greene and Heeney providing exclusive training for coaches ahead of the camps.
AFL CEO-elect Andrew Dillon said: "The AFL is very pleased to see 5th Quarter Camps program come to life, and I’m excited about the positive impact the program can have on engaging young people and growing the game in New South Wales and the ACT.
"Full credit to Toby Greene and Isaac Heeney for the initiative they’ve shown in building out the concept. Both players are not only stars for their clubs on the field, but they are also showing themselves to be fantastic ambassadors for the game and role models in the community.
"Supporting the grassroots game and getting more kids involved in Australian football in NSW/ACT is a high priority for the AFL. 5th Quarter Camps, with the support of AFL & AFL NSW/ACT, can play an important role in generating significant participation and engagement outcomes."
Future camps will be held at additional venues and will be accessible to many across Greater Sydney with plans to expand regionally in the future.
Registrations and further details are available here.