AFL Northern Territory and the Northern Territory Football Club today welcome the support of the Australian Federal Government for the proposed Michael Long NT Thunder Learning and Education Academy to be housed at TIO Stadium.
Announced by Federal Member for Solomon, Damian Hale MLA (see below release) prior to the NT Thunder game at Gardens Oval on Saturday the Government have committed to commissioning a viability study into the construction of a first class education and elite training facility.
“This is just the next phase of a lengthy process aimed at bringing the Thunder Academy concept to fruition,” said AFL Ambassador and long time advocate of the Academy Michael Long.
The Thunder Academy is the brainchild of Long, who has been lobbying the Federal and State Governments over the past 18 months to garner support.
“The project is gaining momentum and when we bring this whole concept to life it will see benefits far beyond what is currently being accomplished in the Northern Territory, further enhancing the stellar work of AFLNT and the NT Thunder in bringing football to regional and remote parts of the Northern Territory.”
The funding received from the Federal Government will be used for the following:
- Developing architectural drawings
- Feasibility of the location at TIO Stadium,
- Curriculum Development
- Exploring options and opportunities for indigenous Territorians of all ages and genders
- Identify opportunities for the ever growing multicultural population of the top end
- Consultation with the key stakeholders of the NT including Charles Darwin University, Land Councils, Local and State Government, Corporate and Community support for the project.
The Michael Long NT Thunder Learning and Education Academy is a concept similar to that of the Redfern Academy in Sydney, and will be open to all ages, genders and cultures with a strict ‘No School. No Play’ policy in place.
“The Northern Territory Government, Charles Darwin University and the AFL are all partners that have collaborated with the Commonwealth Government for this first step in proceedings. AFLNT and the Northern Territory Football Club welcome the support of all key stakeholders,” said Long.
DAMIAN HALE
Member for Solomon
MEDIA RELEASE
Michael Long NT Thunder Learning and Education Academy
Saturday 14th August, 2010
A new AFLNT initiative aims to encourage Territory youth to stay in school by using sport as an incentive to learn.
Member for Solomon Damian Hale today announced Federal Government support for the Darwin based Michael Long NT Thunder Learning and Education Academy.
The initiative builds on the Gillard Labor Government announcement of ‘no school no play’ by using football and other sport as the motivation to encourage children to regularly attend school.
“Reinforcing the importance of education through tangible rewards is a positive step in getting kids into schools on a regular basis.” Mr Hale said.
“A solid education is vital for the future of any child and the Michael Long Academy is a great tool in ensuring each child has the opportunity to learn.”
The academy will provide first class facilities for students giving those involved better opportunities to achieve positive education results through sport.
“It’s about creating leadership and cultural awareness amongst youth while harbouring the talents of these youngsters both on and off the field.” Mr Hale said.
The Commonwealth Government, the Northern Territory Government, Charles Darwin University and the AFL have partnered to support the project, with a feasibility study the first step in developing the scheme.
The program is focused across 20 growth towns in the Northern Territory, giving indigenous children from right across the Northern Territory the opportunity to participate and will work with NT Thunder to provide positive role models for students.
“Michael Long and AFLNT have been working continuously with communities across the Territory and this program is the ideal way to join the Territory’s love of football with education that is essential to the student’s futures.”Mr Hale said.