SPENDING a week in a high-performance environment is something many young footballers dream of.
And that is exactly what National Academy member Kyanne Campbell was fortunate enough to do when she visited Melbourne recently.
The 17-year-old, who hails from Central Australia and plays for the Pinktails, joined the Demons for a week-long training experience where she took part in whole-group skills, weights, and performance sessions.
It was an opportunity for Campbell to gain invaluable experience ahead of her draft year, and benefit from the club’s strong ties to the Alice Spring community and its football programs.
Campbell was accompanied by her father Fred, who, having recently taken the reins as Melbourne’s Alice Springs Academy Coach, was able to engage in coaching components throughout the week.
Melbourne Academy Talent Manager Todd Patterson said it was a rewarding experience for all.
“It was a privilege to welcome Kyanne to the club and give her an opportunity to be exposed to our environment,” he told Melbourne Media.
“She was able to pick up some tips and tricks in relation to her footy but was also able to get a sense of what is required at the elite level, which she can now take back to Alice Springs ahead of her draft year.
“The Redtails Pinktails Right Tracks Program, of which Kyanne is involved in, continues to do significant work in Alice Springs and is vital to the function of our Academy in this region.
“Opportunities like this are important, not only for young talent like Kyanne but for many aspiring footballers within the Alice Springs community, and they wouldn’t be possible without such a committed program.
“Kyanne and Fred were both incredibly grateful for the experience and we thank them for joining us for what was a special week.”
Melbourne Academy aims to encourage, develop and enhance participation outcomes for young talent, with an additional focus on creating more opportunities for multicultural and Indigenous participants.
