Essendon had over 110 registrations for a successful Next Generation Academy Come and Try session in November at the NEC Hangar.

Open to all 12–15-year-olds identifying as Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander or culturally diverse within the club’s NGA Region Zone, the sessions provide the youngsters an experience and connection to the club, as well as an opportunity to improve on their fundamental skills.

More than 40 ethnicities were amongst the registrations, including players with Lebanese, Vietnamese, South Sudanese, Egyptian and Indian heritage.

NGA Come and Try sessions are integral for the club’s pathway programs in identifying new talent for the James Hird Academy, which hosted the development of two 2024 Essendon draftees in Isaac Kako and Jayden Nguyen over the past five years.

Just one week out from his National Draft call-up, Kako put his hand up to assist and help run the Come and Try session, highlighting his commitment to the club’s pathway and community programs as a former JHA member himself with the Accelerator Program.

“Ultimately, we want all kids of different ethnicities playing Australian Rules,” NGA Coach Arnel Litherland-Davis said.

“The NGA provides an opportunity for them to do this with immediate access to a professional pathway in Australian sport.

“It also provides them with access to a new friendship group, which really helps their development as people, not just footballers.”

Essendon’s next Come and Try session for their NGA is expected to take place in February 2025, with more details to be confirmed after the new year.