Port Augusta based junior football coach Corey McKenzie and up-and-coming northern suburbs player Diing Akur have been awarded scholarships as part of the Crows’ Next Generation Academy.
The two new scholarships – one awarded to a coach and one for an emerging player – have been developed in partnership with the Crows Children’s Foundation to further increase the opportunities for young people from diverse backgrounds to learn about and play Australian Rules football.
Standing at 194cm, 15-year-old Akur is a promising ruckman who plays with his school Salisbury High and Central Districts.
The teenager came to Australia from Sudan with his family in 2007 and only took up football three years ago when introduced to the game by his neighbour.
He has spent the last six months training with the Crows’ Next Generation Academy Talent Squad, despite having to travel some 40 kilometres to do so, giving him the opportunity to be involved in an elite football program.
Through the inaugural scholarship Akur will receive a financial grant to assist with progressing education and football opportunities.
“The first time I played the sport I didn’t go that well. Then I came back and I started progressing and liking it. Now I am keen to get to the highest level possible,” Akur said.
“It’s a milestone in my footy career so far to get this scholarship. The Academy has been great because it has exposed me to great coaches and different types of training.”
Coaching scholarship recipient McKenzie is involved with a number of junior teams in Port Augusta including the regional town’s representative team for the annual State Aboriginal Football Carnival.
He is also an assistant coach with the Club’s Next Generation Academy Port Augusta hub which develops talented youth in the region with a focus on those with an Indigenous or multicultural background.
“I am passionate about teaching young people how to play and also the enjoyment of football. I have had some great coaches, whom have left a lasting impression upon me, which I carry throughout my coaching and life,” McKenzie said.
“I am extremely grateful for this opportunity and will use it to enhance my learning to better enable myself to teach and develop young footballers to reach their highest potential.”
McKenzie will receive a financial grant for external education opportunities as well as mentoring from the Adelaide Football Club.
Next Generation Academy Coordinator Jarrod Meers said Akur and McKenzie were worthy recipients.
“These scholarships will be presented annually and are designed to open up pathways for aspiring players and assist coaches in their efforts to develop emerging footballers from diverse backgrounds,” Meers said.
“We’re grateful to the Crows Children’s Foundation for assisting us to provide the opportunity to Diing and Corey so they can reach the next level in their playing and coaching careers.”
