The Adelaide Football Club hosted a special graduation ceremony last week presenting more than 50 students who gained qualifications in either a Certificate II or III in Business through the Indigenous Youth Leadership and Future Leaders programs.

The programs have been developed by Andrew and Rachael McLeod under their McLeod Centre of Excellence and are delivered in partnership with training provider Carey Training, which is 100 percent Indigenous owned and operated. 

The McLeods established the McLeod Centre of Excellence in 2011 with the intent to provide young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students in South Australia increased opportunities in educational studies, mentoring support, help facilitate SACE completion and provide improved pathways to employment.

Over the past six years, around 200 students have participated in the programs, which are supported by the Crows.

Friday’s event was attended by graduating students from seven schools – Windsor Gardens, Woodville High School, Modbury High School, St Michael’s College, Salisbury High School, Westminster School and Marden College.

Andrew McLeod said it was a rewarding day for all involved. 

“2017 is the first year we have hosted a formal graduation ceremony to recognise the hard work put in by our amazing students and it’s something we are extremely proud of,” he said.

“These programs are all about enabling students to reach their full potential by delivering SACE credits, mentoring and helping to provide greater leadership and wellbeing.

“I would like to acknowledge our education partner Carey Training for their dedication in delivering such a professional service.

“Rachael and I are also very grateful to the Adelaide Football Club for their ongoing commitment to support our vision to help close the gap in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander disadvantage.”