What is the Fremantle Dockers Next Generation Academy?

The AFL, in partnership with AFL clubs and state league bodies, has established a national network of AFL club Academy Programs, Next Generation Academies (NGA), which aim to identify and develop young talent, introduce school aged children to community football competitions and feed into existing state and territory and national talent programs.

The academy, which is proudly supported by Woodside Energy, utilises the club’s resources and personnel to offer an opportunity to develop the skill set and knowledge of the game for young players of culturally diverse backgrounds.

Do you have to have participated in AFL football previously to be included in the academy?

No, players do not have to have participated in the sport to be included. The academy is fully inclusive of all skill sets and developed with the intention to fast-track a participant’s knowledge of the game.

It has also been designed in consultation with the WA Football Commission and district talent managers with the opportunity to further participants' AFL experience by transitioning straight into their local talent pathway at the end of the academy process.

How old do you have to be to take part in the Fremantle Dockers NGA?

The Fremantle Dockers NGA will be aiming for junior players aged between 11-15 years. Additional support will be given to selected players from ages 16-18 years.

What are the criteria for a player to take part in the Fremantle Dockers NGA?

Males
All Players must meet one of these residential criteria (as assigned by the AFL):

  • Players residing in FFC metro aligned WAFL club zones (East Fremantle, South Fremantle, Peel, West Perth & Claremont).
  • Players residing in FFC regional aligned WAFL club zones (East Fremantle, South Fremantle, Peel, West Perth & Claremont (excluding the Great Southern Region).
  • Between the ages of 11-13 our programs are fully inclusive of all participants, regardless of their background

From 14 years of age and onwards players must also  meet one of these 3 criteria:

  • African / Asian – where a player or parent is born in an African or Asian country.
  • Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CaLD) – where a player or both parents are born in a non-English speaking country.
  • Indigenous – where a player identifies as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander

Females
All Players must meet one of these residential criteria (as assigned by the AFL):

  • Players residing in FFC metro aligned WAFL club zones (East Fremantle, South Fremantle, Peel, West Perth & Claremont).
  • Players residing in FFC regional aligned WAFL club zones (East Fremantle, South Fremantle, Peel, West Perth & Claremont (excluding the Great Southern Region).

All of our Female programs are currently fully inclusive of all participants, regardless of their background.