The Collingwood Football Club is pleased to announce the launch of the Peter Daicos Academy (PDA) for the 2023 season.
Established in 2012, the program aims to create a pathway to the elite level for the next wave of talented footballers aged 19 years and under. Historically, the Academy only engaged Collingwood past players to give their children the opportunity to connect with the Club.
Today, the program has expanded with close to 100 children who are Father-Son, Father-Daughter recruits, as well as First Nations participants and culturally diverse talent as part of the AFL’s Next Generation Academy.
The PDA program works to continuously promote an inclusive environment for all, acknowledging there are barriers to reaching the elite level for First Nations and culturally diverse talent.
The Academy aims to foster the skills of talented footballers with the opportunity for participants to utilise Collingwood’s training facility and have access to experienced coaches and wider football staff.
Since its inception, the PDA has seen many players transition to the elite level including current players Josh and Nick Daicos (sons of “The Magician” Peter Daicos), as well as Will Kelly, son of Collingwood 1990 premiership player Craig Kelly.
Collingwood defender Isaac Quaynor is another graduate of the inaugural Next Generation Academy in 2016. This year, his two brothers Matthew and Luke will take part in the program in the hopes to follow a similar football pathway to Isaac. Similarly, Collingwood forward Reef McInnes also came through the NGA.
Collingwood Head of the Peter Daicos Academy Harmit Singh is pleased to welcome back the participants to the Academy for 2023.
“We are thrilled to announce the re-launch of the Peter Daicos Academy, with participation from Father-Son, Father-Daughter, First Nations and culturally diverse backgrounds,” Singh said.
“The Peter Daicos Academy not only assists to accelerate player development with the aim to see future players drafted on to our AFL or AFLW lists, but it also intends to help educate and advance our players as young leaders within the community.”
The PDA will hold their first training session on next Monday, March 13 at the AIA Vitality Centre.
Peter Daicos Academy streams
High Performance Boys & Girls 16-19 years of age
Futures Boys & Girls 11-15 years of age
Mini Magpies Boys & Girls 0-10 years of age
