On Monday, June 30, Essendon Football Club hosted its first Next Generation Academy (NGA) Come & Try event in four years, and the return was a success.
Held at Charles Mutton Reserve, the home of the Northern Saints Football Club and the junior club of Bomber Isaac Kako, the event brought together over 150 eager participants.
The NGA Come & Try initiative aims to engage both current community footballers and those new to the game, offering a welcoming introduction to AFL and pathways into the sport.
The event was boosted by the presence of Essendon AFLW and AFL players.
Bonnie Toogood, Brooke Walker, Amy Gaylor and Elyse Gamble from the AFLW program joined AFL-listed players Isaac Kako, Jayden Nguyen, Alwyn Davey and Saad El-Hawli in supporting the event and connecting with young footballers.
The club extends its thanks to the Northern Saints Football Club, its staff and volunteers, and all partner organisations who contributed to making the event possible.
The club is committed to supporting young talent and increasing participation in community football, and plans are already underway to replicate the success of this event in the near future.
