8/14/2019 Fact Sheet About Indigenous Support Program

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Presently, Indigenous players make up 8 per cent of the total AFL player population, while Indigenous Australians in total make up around 2.1 per cent of Australia’s entire population. The high participationand achievement rate of Indigenous players within the AFL is strongly encouraged and supported by the

 AFLPA and the AFL.

The aim of the AFLPA Indigenous Support Programs is to provide a support structure within the AFLenvironment that is inclusive of and accessible to Indigenous players. The main objectives:

  to increase access and use of existing support services provided by the AFLPA and AFL Clubs byIndigenous Players

  to increase the awareness of Indigenous support services available, to the AFL, AFLPA, Clubsand Indigenous Players

  to increase and enhance the opportunities available to Indigenous Players after their football

career   to increase awareness within the AFL Club environment of ways that they can be more inclusive

of Indigenous players  to facilitate links between the AFL and the AFLPA, and Indigenous Players, Indigenous

communities and relevant agencies

These objectives are hopefully achievable through the following tailored programs and initiatives: theCross-Cultural Awareness Program, the AFLPA Indigenous Camp and through the appointment of MichaelLong to the AFLPA.

Cross-Cultural Awareness ProgramThe Indigenous Unit within each state’s respective Department of Sport and Recreation is currentlyfacilitating this program. Each respective Indigenous Unit will talk directly with each club as to the specific

needs within their environment. The program aims:

  to create a greater awareness and understanding of the specific needs of Indigenous playersamong the club, including coaching and administration staff 

  to establish what the club can do to assist their Indigenous players  to enhance each club’s player development manager’s knowledge of Indigenous player needs,

thus enhancing the confidence of the PDM when addressing these issues   to develop a more inclusive club environment

The AFLPA, its service providers and each club has committed to take part in this ongoing program.

The Indigenous Players Camp aims:   to gain an insight into the issues that may affect Indigenous players within the AFL

  to audit current usage of services of indigenous players, and investigate the reasons for high or low usage  to develop better working relationships between the AFLPA and our Indigenous membership  facilitate strategic planning for future PDP programs

This environment allows the AFLPA to directly identify the unique needs of Indigenous members, allowingprovision of better support services to this core of members. Feedback from players and staff whoattended the 2002 camp identified the need, interest and support in running the program on a regular basis(every two years). Since the introduction of the Indigenous Support program, there has been a significantincrease in the number of Indigenous players utilising AFLPA services. In 2003, 50% of Indigenous playerswere involved in formal training and/or education outside of football. 

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Australian Football

League Players’Association

www.aflpa.com.auPh: 03 9328 8001Fax: 03 9328 8995

Indigenous Support Program