Lindsay Thomas is embracing his role as ambassador of the North Melbourne Football Club’s Indigenous Academy and yesterday hosted a group of boys from all across Victoria for the school holiday program.
Now in his sixth year at the Kangaroos, Thomas hopes his work with the academy will allow him to have a positive influence on young, aspiring footballers.
“I really like working with them. They’re all pretty excited to get down to the club and work on their footy skills.
“As well as on-field stuff, we also teach them a bit about how players live, the food we eat, how we prepare and that sort of thing.”
Thomas believes the opportunity these young footballers have to be exposed to an elite sporting environment and its players is a huge advantage to them and their future playing sport.
“Not many kids get the opportunity to meet AFL players and be coached by them, especially some of the indigenous boys. I think they’re pretty lucky to have this experience because most guys aren’t lucky enough to do anything like this growing up.”
Football wasn’t the only sport on the agenda for Monday’s academy with a netball program run by Melbourne Vixens’ star Sharelle McMahon and a basketball clinic with Warrick Giddey from the Melbourne Tigers.
All academy participants and their families will attend the Round 18 clash between North Melbourne and Melbourne at Etihad Stadium and another day of clinics will run in the next school holidays.
For more information on The Huddle Indigenous Academy, please contact Sarah Bourke via email: sarah.bourke@kangaroos.com.au or phone (03) 9320 2475
North Melbourne v Carlton
Friday July 13, 7.50pm
Etihad Stadium
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