A group Essendon representatives, including Aboriginal Programs and Welfare Coordinator Matthew Whelan, Head of Player Development Mark Neeld and father-son Essendon recruit Jake Long have attended the official opening of the Michael Long Learning and Leadership Centre in Darwin.
The new facility will harness the power of football to deliver long lasting outcomes to the people of Nothern Territory.
Michael Long, a two time premiership player and legend of the Essendon Football Club, said it was a great outcome and achievement for the community.
"Its a very proud moment to realize the dream of this centre,” Long said
"Everything here is AFL standard and important for Territory football and the education and development of young Indigenous people"
Essendon is planning to form a partnership with the Learning and Leadership Centre in the coming years with planning underway to create a ‘write of passage’ development camp with young players visiting the centre, as well as the remote communities of Tiwi and Wadeye. .
Aboriginal Programs and Welfare Coordinator Matthew Whelan said he was looking forward to being involved in the centre.
"It's a fantastic development - super impressive - and Michael and all involved should be commended for their vision"
"It was great to see Jake Long in attendance, supporting his Dad, and continuing the Long family and Essendon Football Club connection with NT football and it's community"
For more information on Essendon’s Indigenous programs visit click here.
