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AFL Crusaders take flight to Maroochydore
The U12 AFL Cape York Crusaders are set to start play on the Sunshine Coast today for the 10-12-year-old AFL State School Championships.
More than 20 students from across Cape York, the Torres Strait and Gulf Savannah regions have amde the trip to Maroochydore to take on the best junior footballers from across Queensland.
“Each year, AFL Cape York delivers the Game Development program to over 40 communities between Cooktown and
Saibai Island and all the way out to Doomadgee near the Northern Territory border,” AFL Cape York Participation Program Coordinator Jake O’Halloran said.
“From the hundreds of eligible students that we work with, only 22 are selected to represent the Crusaders at the U12 State Schools Championships each year.
“Students are selected not only based on their footballing skills but also on their ability to uphold the three core AFL
Cape York values of Responsibility, Respect and Pride
“This year we have students from 14 different communities pulling on the Crusaders jumper to represent where they call home.”
AFL Cape York Crusaders Coach Matt Mellahn said the program was unique.
“Our team will meet just two days before they take the field together for the first time,” he said.
“There wouldn’t be any other teams at this event that have their players that spread out across the state, but we’re very excited to give these young people an opportunity like this to show off their skills, rewarding them for their hard-work in school and in their community.”
Jake said they were grateful for the support of their sponsors.
“We’re extremely grateful for the support of our key partnersVirgin Australia and Hertz for helping these young people have what we’re sure will be an exciting and unforgettable experience,” he said. Meanwhile AFL in-school programs and Auskick continue in the Torres Strait with school AFL programs on Kirriri, Ngurapai and Waiben. With three weeks down and two to go, there’s still time to join in on the AFL action – every school campus will have visits from our Game Development team in weeks 9 and 10 of the term, so make sure you’re at school for all the footy action!
