MELBOURNE is working closely with AFL Northern Territory as it looks to build its Next Generation Academy in Alice Springs and its surrounding region.

The NGA enables Melbourne to be involved in introducing children of all backgrounds to the game and provide aspirational pathways for players, coaches, umpires and administrators.

The club is assisting the AFLNT with a range of programs already in place, while the NGA aims to encourage, develop and enhance participation outcomes for talented players, with an additional focus of creating more opportunities for Multicultural and Indigenous participants.

General manager of football operations Josh Mahoney spoke with several club presidents and coaches from Alice Springs and its surrounding area during its trip to Central Australia on the weekend.

“As part of our Next Generation Academy, we’re working with the local football clubs,” he told melbournefc.com.au.

“If we can invest in a way that can make the competition stronger – we think it’s going to help the area.

“We understand how important football clubs are to the community, particularly in Alice Springs, where it can be the lifeblood of this area.

“If we can hand over any tips on better ways to run their clubs, through our experience, we think that’s going to be beneficial to the community.”

With the club notching up its first win in Alice Springs against the Gold Coast Suns on Saturday, Melbourne will play another match in the Northern Territory later in the season, against the Adelaide Crows in round 17 at TIO Stadium (Darwin).

The club has a strong relationship with NT Government and Tourism NT and is extremely proud of its partnership with the NT, which is now in its seventh year.

Along with the NGA, Melbourne continues to work with Melbourne University’s trachoma elimination program and engage young students in our ‘Read Like a Demon’ program.

The club also completed its first cultural immersion program for staff and players, which gave them an opportunity to experience and learn cultural awareness and appreciate what the NT has to offer.