Girls blaze trail with Swans academy

THE Sydney Swans’ inaugural youth girls’ academy has a distinct flavour with 16 girls from the Maroubra Saints among its ranks.

Back Row L to R: Samantha Carey, Zali Deep, Larissa Arnautovic, Ava Langenbach, Tara Thorn and Poppy Gibson. Front Row L to R: Madison Gosbell, Sarah Pignatelli, Briena Connon and Imogen Brown. Picture: John Appleyard

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THE Sydney Swans’ inaugural youth girls’ academy has a distinct flavour with 16 girls from the Maroubra Saints among its ranks.

The Maroubra girls are on a 12-week elite training program, which includes expert coaching and mentor sessions with Olympians Melinda Gainsford-Taylor and Nicola Zagame.

Samantha Carey with the ball. Picture: John Appleyard

“The coaches are really good and they help us out for our Sunday games,” Briena Connon, 12, of Maroubra, said.

“I just love the game and love watching the Swans and it is really nice to be with my friends.”

Sarah Pignatelli, 13, of Coogee, started playing AFL after watching her dad and brother.

“The coaches are enthusiastic and make it really good fun,” she said. “We’re always learning new things and I just love having fun with my friends.”

Zali Deep in training. Picture: John Appleyard

Academy chief executive Chris Smith said the program would give the girls the best chance of making it to the top level of the sport.

“Our first intake of girls will continue along a talent pathway through to under-18s, with the program set to grow each year as further age groups are added,” he said.

Briena Connon catches the ball. Picture: John Appleyard

Imogen Brown in training. Picture: John Appleyard

He added that it was about more than teaching the girls the skills they need on the field, with an emphasis also on maintaining health, nutrition and a balanced lifestyle.

He said the plan was to expand the program to more than 500 girls.

Details: sydneyswans.com.au/academy

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