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The successful Alice Springs Football Academy was officially opened at Centralian Senior Secondary College (CSSC) today.

 

The Northern Territory Government in conjunction with CSSC invested $260,000 for a refurbished facility for the Academy.

 

The new Academy facility features computers, desks, a meeting area, kitchenette and office.

 

Mr Knight said the Academy, which is part of Clontarf Football Academy family, is already achieving outstanding results, and the expansion into CSSC will mean more young men are staying in school.

 

“In Alice Springs we now have around 240 students participating in the Academy and 56 of these are enrolled in CSSC’s first year of the program,” he said.

 

“The Northern Territory Government funds the Alice Springs Football Academy with over $500,000 a year.

 

“This is an outstanding program that goes beyond making these kids better footy players – they stay in school, receive strong mentoring support and are prepared for the workforce.

 

“The CSSC program is for senior high school students in year 10 to 12 aged between 14 and 17.

 

“The results are in from the first year of the Football Academy in Alice Springs and we know kids are staying in school and embracing the objectives of the program.

 

“The new facility will be used for coaching health education, mentoring support and schooling.

 

“It will be a long year ahead for the students in the Academy program at CSSC who are scheduled to play around 60 games of footy in 2008.

 

“I congratulate and thank the hard work of the people who have been involved with the Alice Springs Football Academy and wish the students luck with their busy year.”

 

The Alice Springs Football Academy is also operating at Alice Springs High School, Anzac Hill High School and Yirara College.

 

 Media contact: Nicole Manison 0448 693 279