A Community of Saints 2018 Community Perspective 2018 | Page 19

NGA Elite Talent Program NGA Junior Talent Program
The Saints’ Elite Talent Program is an opportunity to work closely with players
who are draft concession-approved and meet the specific Aboriginal and
Torres Strait Islander and multicultural criteria in the 16-19-year age bracket. The Saints NGA Junior Talent Program provides an entry point to the AFL Talent
Pathway. St Kilda has aligned with the two junior football leagues in their zone, the
South Metro Junior Football League and the Frankston and District Junior Football
League.
The Saints work closely with their two major TAC Cup partners in the region –
the Sandringham Dragons and the Dandenong Stingrays – from which many
Elite Talent Program players are selected.
In 2018, the Saints had 23 players eligible and approved to be drafted by the
club under the NGA draft concession rules.
Over 15,000 junior players participate in games across these two leagues.
St Kilda’s NGA has partnered with the interleague programs of both leagues to
deliver an extensive program of on-field skill enhancement and off-field life skills
sessions to over 800 players from under-12s to under-15s.
The Saints employ a holistic approach to the development of players using the
club’s wider resourcing capabilities.
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