While the clubs teamed up at the start of 2017 as a part of the Tigers’ Next Generation Academy, they have a long history working together on indigenous leadership programs.
Richmond’s general manager and football talent Dan Richardson said the academy was established by the AFL with a focus on indigenous and multicultural players. “We wanted to enhance the opportunities for kids playing football,” Dan said. “With Rumba being a leader in the engagement of the indigenous community, they can help us identify talent and with the development of that talent.”
“We look forward to working on a number of initiatives and we hope we can ultimately see more indigenous players on the Richmond list.” Dan said Rumbalara’s success and strength as an indigenous football club aligned with the NGA objectives and in its own right is a leader in creating indigenous opportunities.
He congratulated the club on its 21-year milestone. “It’s a relationship that both clubs benefit from,” he said. “They are a great organisation and to have the influence it has in the community is an achievement.”
