The GIANTS will continue to provide opportunities to young footballers in regional areas through a new partnership with AFL North East Border, Murray Bushrangers, AFL New South Wales and the Richmond Tigers.

The 12-week program for U/15 footballers will see the club work collaboratively with a number of other organisations to strengthen pathways in the border region. 

The new AFL Border Academy will be an extension of the GIANTS’ existing Next Generation Academy (NGA) program run in Albury and will also have a training hub on the other side of the border in Wangaratta.

GIANTS Head of Academies and AFLW Briana Harvey said the program will ensure junior players will receive the best possible football education and development. 

“The GIANTS have invested heavily in the Albury region for close to a decade as part of our commitment to developing talent in New South Wales and this is an exciting development for the region,” Harvey said.

“Alongside Richmond, we are committed to giving athletes in the north east border region the best opportunities to improve as we grow the game in our respective NGA regions.

“This program will provide boys and girls in the area with the best possible coaching and education, giving them the best opportunity to develop as footballers and people.”

The innovative co-branded Academy between the GIANTS and Tigers is endorsed by AFL House and will focus heavily on the fundamentals of football, in addition to strength and conditioning. 

The program will be overseen by Murray Bushrangers talent manager Mick Wilson and Bushrangers Talent Pathway Coach/Regional Director, Mark Brown.

The GIANTS and Richmond will provide funding, coaching assistance and training curriculum that is reflective of an AFL environment.

The Academy will focus on under-15 boys in its first year before expanding to girls and other age groups in the future.