Coaching Unlimited partnered with AFL NSW/ACT and the Sydney Swans to provide FREE coach accreditation for First Nations Peoples.

The Sydney Swans, in partnership with AFL NSW/ACT and Coaching Unlimited, proudly hosted a First Nations Coaching accreditation course at the Sellers & Colless Centre, Sydney Swans HQ. 

The event marked a significant milestone, with more than 35 First Nations coaches attending, making it the largest single cohort to complete the formal education component of the accreditation to date.

The day was enriched by special guests Michael O’Loughlin and John Longmire, who generously shared their coaching journeys and insights with participants. Their stories inspired attendees, who will use their newly acquired skills to coach with the club’s ARA First Nations Academy.

The initiative was open to all First Nations Peoples aged 16 years and over, offering them the opportunity to become registered and accredited coaches. Importantly, the course was provided free of charge, thanks to the ongoing partnership between Coaching Unlimited, AFL NSW/ACT, and the Sydney Swans.

Coaching Unlimited is a programme born from research conducted in the First Nations coaching space which highlighted a significant underrepresentation of First Nations coaches in sport. It has since led to collaborations with sporting organisations to help address this gap.

It comes as the ARA First Nations Academy embarks on its fourth year, continuing its mission to blend AFL training with cultural education and community connection.

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