Aboriginal high school students involved in a South Australian government learning program will get a kick out of being involved in the state's first indigenous soccer academy.
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Students involved in the SA Aboriginal Secondary Training Academy (SAASTA) can participate in the soccer program as part of their SACE.
The state government has committed $100,000 over two years to establish the Aboriginal soccer academy.
Premier Steven Marshall said the state government was dedicated to improving educational outcomes for young Aboriginal students.
"This new academy will create another avenue for Aboriginal students to join the SAASTA program and achieve their higher education goals," Mr Marshall said.
"In addition to achieving their SACE, students in this academy will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in a globally recognised sport.
"(It could) potentially open the door to local or even worldwide opportunities."
The academy will run once a week when the school term commences in February 2020.
SAASTA's sports academies coordinator Nick Drury said the day will be evenly split between soccer and engaging in a curriculum-run program.
"We look at their health and wellbeing as well as literacy and numeracy and post-school pathways," Mr Drury said.
"With the influx of new students, we're looking to include a life skills component; looking at food and nutrition and financial literacy."
Tesha Wanganeen is involved in SAASTA's AFL program and will participate in the soccer academy.
The 16-year-old said playing soccer helps build her self-confidence.
"I can't wait to start and I hope I can get more of my friends to be a part of it too," Miss Wanganeen said.
Former Adelaide United Football Club captain Travis Dodd is the ambassador for the academy.
"Being an indigenous footballer for 16 years, I've not seen a lot of indigenous players coming through," Mr Dodd said.
"I speak from experience because I left school when I was 16 to pursue a career in football and came out without an education.
"I understand now how important it is to have a dual focus on sport and schooling.
"We hope to get a lot more kids involved in the game and we might see a future Socceroo or Matilda."
Australian Associated Press
