Adelaide has awarded its 2025 Next Generation Academy scholarships to emerging underage footballers Jackson Saunders and Marlee Welch.

Saunders and Welch are part of the Adelaide Football Club Crows Academies – Next Generation (NGA) program, which gives developing footballers an opportunity to be involved in an AFL Club environment and learn the standards needed to reach the highest level.

The scholarship, now in its eight year, aims to further increase the opportunities for First Nations NGA participants to pursue a career in football and includes a financial grant to assist with progressing education and football opportunities.

The scholarship is an initiative through the Crows’ Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP).

The two young footballers were presented with their scholarships by AFL players Izak Rankine and Wayne Milera Junior and AFLW player Danielle Ponter at the Club on Monday.

Proudly from the Wirangu people, Saunders, who lives in the South-East of SA, plays for West Gambier Football Club and is also part of the Glenelg Football Club talent programs.

“I’m very grateful. The scholarship will help with the costs to travel up and be part of the program,” Saunders said.

“I’m hoping to improve my skill work and forward craft through the Academies. I know all of the coaches involved are elite and will be able to help me improve my footy and become a more versatile player.”

Welch, a proud young Narungga woman, plays for Central District and Angle Vale.

“I’ve been lucky enough to have several seasons with the Crows Academies but unfortunately I did my ACL earlier this year so had a year out,” Welch said.

“I’m ready to go for the upcoming season and I know I really have to put in my all if I want to make it to the AFLW.

“This scholarship means a lot, it will help to cover the costs of my footy gear and physio as well, to make sure my knee is right.”

Fifteen Crows Academies participants have received the scholarship since its inception in 2018, including former Crows AFL listed player Tariek Newchurch in 2020.

Previous recipients include:

  • 2024 – Demi Holloway and Michael Clinch Jr
  • 2023 – Sarsha Taylor (North Adelaide), Jordan Horne (Glenelg), Jermaine and Justin Miller (Central District)
  • 2022 - Ayman Ismail, Reggie Reupana and Krystal Thompson (North Adelaide)
  • 2021- Joe Judd (Glenelg)
  • 2020 - Tariek Newchurch (North Adelaide)
  • 2019 - Aiden Holland (Sturt)
  • 2018 - Diing Akur (Central District)