Thirty lucky students were given the opportunity to have behind the scenes access to Adelaide’s AFLW training last month, thanks to our co-major partner BHP.

Students from the Graham (Polly) Farmer Foundation (Port Augusta) and the Roxby Junior Sports Academy (Roxby Downs) were taken on a tour of the facilities, addressed by coach Matthew Clarke, had a kick on the Shed Floor and then watched training.

This was all part of the BHP Inner Sanctum visit, where the students got an insight into elite level sport.

The Polly Farmer Foundation (PFF) supports Aboriginal youth and helps them to achieve their potential.

BHP partners with PFF to deliver the Follow the Dream program in Port Augusta, helping students to complete their secondary schooling.

The Roxby Junior Sports Academy provides elite level training and support for young athletes from regional areas who have potential and aspirations to compete in their sport at a high level.

BHP supports the Academy through its local community donations program, to allow the athletes to receive specialist coaching.

Emily Perry, BHP’s Head of Corporate Affairs South Australia said that BHP is incredibly proud to be co-major partner of the Crows AFLW side.

“The partnership aligns strongly with BHP’s culture of growing inclusion, diversity and equal opportunity, and it’s fantastic to see ongoing progress in women’s football,” Perry said.

“We’re also thrilled to be able to facilitate this unique opportunity for girls and boys from Port Augusta and Roxby Downs to see elite athletes in action and get a taste of what it takes to reach their full potential.”

BHP was announced as the AFLW team’s co-major partner ahead of the 2018 season, in a three-year  community-focused partnership which sees BHP work collaboratively with the Crows to help provide grassroots and pathway development programs for young women and Indigenous people in regional areas.