The AFL New Zealand Youth Programme has just finished it’s 3rd week, and the participants are thriving. Players both new and returning to the programme are getting stuck in and taking each and every opportunity provided to grow and develop their skills and knowledge of the game. Returning players are also taking advantage of their prior knowledge and using it to help grow in other ways, working on their confidence and leadership skills by helping younger players to develop.
There are three centers currently running in Auckland, and one running in Christchurch. Every week one of the participants form each of the Centers will receive a Best and Fairest (B&F) award for their efforts throughout the session
In Week 1 participants focused on the drop punt, breaking down the skill to develop their overall kicking mechanics and ability. Every participant got stuck in and improved across the duration of the session.
| Location | B&F | Why |
| QE2 Park | Carlos Fong | Accurate kicks great sportsmanship |
| Colin Maiden Park | Tate Wincey | Awesome manners, was eager to get stuck in and was polite to the coaches and other kids as well |
| Sunnynook Park | Oban French | Great listening team player who not only kicked well but helped out other kids well too |
| Walter Massey Park | Cheyenne Leilua | Great hands, Awesome attitude and a keen eye for getting the ball into space. |
Week2
| Location | B&F | Why |
| QE2 Park | Xavier Hurley | Did really well getting into the space on the field and calling for the ball |
| Colin Maiden Park | Josh Lightbourne | Taking on what the coaches say and constantly improving their technique, getting stuck in and helping/working with younger kids. |
| Sunnynook Park | April Sullivan | Great listening and improvement with her marking and kicking skills |
| Walter Massey Park | Lordzz Matapa | Ability to take great marks and make accurate kicks. |
Week 3
| Location | B&F | Why |
| QE2 Park | Rained Off | |
| Colin Maiden Park | Summer Snashall | Taking on coaches advice, helping other players throughout session, giving 100% Summer Snashall had an awesome session, taking on coaches advice, helping others with skills or drills and getting stuck in! |
| Sunnynook Park | Finn Cuffe | Continued to improve week by week with his skills but what is most pleasing for the coaches is the way he helps out other teammates and his coaches. This energy is rubbing off on the rest of the group who are getting closer by the week and are a really good inclusive bunch |
| Walter Massey Park | Bodene Aoake | Great movement around the middle and is an amazing leader! |
The players born between 2006 and 2012 will be put forward for selection into the AFLNZ Academy commencing February 2023 and for those born between 2006 and 2009 selection into the AFL New Zealand Team Selection to play Mornington Peninsula Junior Football League in April
