A fabulous development for indigenous pathways and football in NT.  57m-donation-to-central-australian-footy-program

"The Redtails Pinktails Right Tracks Program offers mentoring for young people and has opened a pathway for talented athletes to play professionally in the Northern Territory and South Australian football leagues".

"Club president and organiser of the Right Tracks program Rob Clarke said it was a "jackpot" donation for the community, which will continue the program's work and help improve the lives of local young people".

"Mr Clarke said they hoped to use the funds to build a "home" for the Redtails Pinktails, and to broaden their Right Tracks program to include more sporting codes...He said they were eyeing off Traeger Park in Alice Springs as a potential site for the facility, which they hoped would also provide accommodation for travelling sporting teams and schools".

"We want to partner with … any organisation that has the same mindset, who wants to achieve great things for our region."

 

As Traegar Park is a Home ground for us and the club has invested greatly in its development and committment to playing there long term, I hope MFC is in on this.  It would be a real shame if another club especially from SA, jumps on the bandwagon.

I particularly like the 'Right Tracks' program as it shares the values Jimmy created in the Reach Foundation.  Reckon he would be mighty proud of mfc's connection with such a program as he invested a lot of TLC in indigenous players.

Hopefully Alice remains our NGA zone...

Now if the AFL are serious about more indigenous players into the AFL they need to stand up and support this program.

Semi relevant to the above.  Quote from President's recent email:

I’m also delighted to inform you about a new community partnership we’ve formed with the  House of Darwin Foundation, in conjunction with our  Jim Stynes Foundation. This exciting initiative – known as “Hoop Dreams” will see us rejuvenate the local basketball court in Nyirripi, home to the Nyirripi Demons, some 460 kilometres out of Alice Springs. More than just a playing surface, this court is a central gathering spot for the community and refurbishing it will offer fresh opportunities for wellbeing and connection. Even more special, its mural design will feature on our  2026 Indigenous Guernsey, bringing the spirit of Nyirripi to the MCG. With Jack Viney and Kate Hore championing this cause, we’re reaffirming our long-standing dedication to the Northern Territory – and paying forward Jim’s legacy – by empowering young people and strengthening cultural ties through the power of sport. 

Great initiative. 

There's so many things like this going on that people wouldn't be aware of.

One thing I'm really proud of is our investment in the Alice Springs community and continuing to grow the game there, but also help in the community like when they helped to grass a footy oval and then this example with the basketball court.