NEXT GENERATION ACADEMIES

ABOUT THE PROGRAM

The Next Generation Academies (NGA's) are a joint initiative between the AFL and AFL Clubs aimed at the attraction, retention and development of all talented players (both male and female), whilst growing participation in the under-represented segments of our community. A key objective of the NGA's is to increase the talent pool of Indigenous and Multicultural players. These groups are significantly under-represented in the AFL comparative to the population, and therefore AFL Clubs are incentivised through draft concessions for their role in growing this talent pool. However, the primary function of the NGA's is to provide a Club based talent program to all kids, using the AFL Clubs' profile and expertise to raise awareness and interest in the programs.

ELIGIBILITY

To qualify for the Geelong Cats NGA the player: 

1. Resides in the Geelong Cats zone in Victoria or the Northern Territory
2. Identifies as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander 
3. Was born in an African, Asian or non-English speaking country
4. Has at least one parent born in an African or Asian country; or
5. Has both parents born in a non-English speaking country other than Africa or Asia

GEELONG CATS NGA ZONE

Geelong's Victorian NGA zone stretches from Lara in the east to Terang in the west and Skipton (north) to Cape Otway (south), with the club also having access to NGA talent in East Arnhem land in the Northern Territory.

GEELONG CATS ACADEMIES

FOUNDATION PATHWAY

This program fosters engagement with young players from diverse backgrounds, introducing them to football through ‘Come and Try’ days, school partnerships and local club initiatives. Sessions focus on fun, fundamentals and cultural connection. Various AFL 9s competitions and other initiatives serve as a talent identification tool for participants within the Foundation Pathway age, giving them early exposure to the Geelong Cats NGA programs.

DEVELOPMENT ACADEMY

The Development Academy introduces high-performance training for Indigenous and Multicultural players, including Father-Son and Father-Daughter prospects. The NGA Games serve as the entry point, where two training squads (boys & girls) are selected for the NGA carnival in the April school holidays. Training includes a mix of skill sessions, fitness testing and tactical education, with support from Geelong Cats coaching and recruitment staff. Post-carnival, players are offered to participate in monthly sessions both in person and online, aimed at individual development areas such as nutrition and recovery techniques. The program builds strong fundamentals and prepares players for potential selection in the U15 Geelong Falcons V/Line Cup squads at the end of their U15 year.

FUTURES ACADEMY

The Futures Academy is for players within the AFL Talent Pathways, focusing on tactical awareness, physical development and preparation for elite-level competition. In-person training sessions occur more frequently, emphasising technical skill refinement, athletic profiling and mentorship. Individualised strength & conditioning programs are offered alongside recovery sessions and online education opportunities. Throughout the year, players will participate in full day In-Club Experiences alongside AFL/AFLW programs, as well as match-day experiences.

DRAFT AGE ACADEMY

Participants in this program receive elite-level training to prepare for the AFL/AFLW and VFL/VFLW pathways. In-person training sessions integrate all pillars of the program, including fundamentals, tactical skills, athletic development and high-performance education. Players have access to one-on-one meetings regardless of location, mentorship from AFL/AFLW players, and direct support from Cats staff. Participants are involved in craft sessions, are offered tailored strength & conditioning programs, use of recovery facilities and personalised workload management plans. Additional opportunities include AFL/AFLW Experience Weeks, Match Day Experiences and VFL/VFLW integration training sessions.