2016 Rio Tinto AFL Flying Boomerangs in ChinaMonday, December 5, 2016 - 3:03 PM

Ten players will represent Western Australia in the Rio Tinto AFL Flying Boomerangs program in China this week as part of a cultural awareness and leadership development camp.

Leading the Boomerangs squad of 25 participants is WA’s Jermaine Davis, the first Western Australian to coach the national team since its formation 10 years ago.

The Rio Tinto AFL Flying Boomerangs program is a personal development and leadership program for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young boys aged 14-15 years of age.

The China program coincides with the Port Adelaide Football Club’s visit to Shanghai and will see the Flying Boomerangs train alongside AFL-listed players. In addition, the team will also play matches against the Port Adelaide Aboriginal Academy and the AFL China side.

The program itinerary includes a visit to Tiananmen Square and Forbidden City, a cultural walk along the Great Wall of China, and a visit to a pearl market. The Flying Boomerangs will experience a traditional martial arts session and will visit the Temple of Hevan.  

AFL Head of Multicultural & Indigenous Partnerships & Programs Ali Fahour said the Rio Tinto AFL Flying Boomerangs program to China was built on providing development opportunities both on and off the field.

“We know the young men involved in this elite talent program will become the next generation of Indigenous sporting role models as they continue on their pathway into the AFL,” Mr Fahour said.

“These footballers are the best rising Indigenous talent in the nation and are given the opportunity to represent their country.

“The players we’ve brought together have immense football talent, but the program is also about developing them as young leaders within their own communities.”

Members of the Rio Tinto AFL Flying Boomerangs were selected by AFL Club recruiters following the 2016 AFL National Diversity Championships held in Queensland earlier this year. Their selection is also based on school attendance, leadership skills, and football ability.

Each year, the Flying Boomerangs squad participates in two camps focused on football development, leadership and cultural identity.

In the recent 2016 NAB AFL Draft in Sydney, a former WA Rio Tinto AFL Flying Boomerang captain was drafted with Sam Powell-Pepper going to Port Adelaide at pick 18.  

Rio Tinto is one of Australia’s largest employers of Indigenous people, employing some 1600 Aboriginal men and women across the nation.

The AFL has announced a commitment to playing an historic Toyota AFL Premiership Season match in Shanghai, China in Round 8, 2017.

The match in Shanghai will see the Port Adelaide Football Club play the Gold Coast SUNS at Jiangwan Stadium.