Many kids dream of a goalkicking lesson from Eddie Betts, and that’s exactly what members of the Crows’ Next Generation Academy Talent Squad received on Tuesday.

Betts volunteered his time and combined with Crows Development Manager Heath Younie and Crows Academy Coordinator Jarrod Meers to conduct an elite skills development session with the group, which consists of young athletes aged 14-17 years with a multicultural or Indigenous background.

Crows Head of Football Brett Burton said it was a great thrill for the group to have a coaching session with Betts.

“It’s fantastic to have some of our current playing squad involved with coaching and mentoring of the group to help them reach their full potential,” Burton said.

“The group was naturally very excited to have Eddie to talk to and demonstrate the art of goalkicking.”

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As well as the skills session on Football Park, the group was part of a workshop on resilience and wellness led by former NRL player and professional boxer Joe Williams.

“Our inaugural Talent Squad continues to grow – we now have close to 30 young athletes taking part – and we are thrilled with their progress on and off the track,” Burton said.

“We’re encouraging young individuals to check the Academy eligibility checklist and register to become involved.”

Designed to increase the opportunities for young people from all backgrounds to participate in Australian Rules, the Next Generation Academy is a joint initiative between the Crows and the AFL.

The Academy operates in collaboration with the following aligned SANFL hubs: Central District, Glenelg, North Adelaide and Sturt, as well as the eastern side of the APY Lands.

Click here to find out more about the Crows Next Generation Academy