The AFL has announced the 2026 squads for its Indigenous and Multicultural Academies, with selected young players set to attend high-performance camps that combine football development with leadership, wellbeing and cultural support.
The academies are designed as a talent and personal development pathway, bringing together emerging players from around the country for intensive training and education. The AFL says academy members will complete leadership and personal development modules focused on confidence, communication and goal-setting, alongside social, emotional and cultural wellbeing practices.
In the league announcement, the AFL said the program works in collaboration with state talent programs and Next Generation Academies to align development outcomes and support players’ progression through the broader talent system. The structure is intended to ensure academy participants receive consistent guidance across skill development, education and wellbeing – areas the AFL increasingly frames as central to long-term success.
State leagues have also begun releasing local breakdowns of selections, highlighting the geographic spread of participants. AFL Victoria reported that 39 Victorians feature across the Indigenous and Multicultural Academies and would meet in Melbourne for a camp, describing the selections as spanning boys’ and girls’ squads from across the state.
In Western Australia, WA Football reported that 14 Indigenous and multicultural footballers from the state were selected to take part in a high-performance camp in Melbourne. The report described the squads as featuring six Indigenous players from WA (three girls and three boys) and eight multicultural players, noting the selection as an opportunity to develop both football skills and broader leadership capabilities.
For First Nations communities, development pathways in sport are often viewed through a wider lens than elite outcomes alone. Supporters argue that programs that embed cultural safety and wellbeing support can help young people navigate high-pressure environments, reduce dropout risk and strengthen connection – especially for players moving away from home or entering unfamiliar systems.
The 2026 academy squads will now move into camp phases and ongoing development, with the AFL indicating the program’s focus is not only identifying talent but building the confidence and support structures young people need to thrive both within and beyond the game.
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