Collingwood was well represented in the AFL Diversity Championships, held in Blacktown this week.

Fourteen-year-old Youseph Dib starred in the midfield as Victoria’s All-Nations team registered a one-point triumph over Tasmania on Thursday.

Dib, who is of Lebanese heritage, is a member of Collingwood’s Next Generation Academy team, and is a part of the Oakleigh Chargers’ under 16 program. He plays junior football in the Eastern Football League.

The Magpies also had representation in the Northern Territory KickStart team, through Nathan Dixon and Rifky Noorizal.

The Diversity Championships helps promote the next wave of talent emerging from different cultures around the world.

A total of 300 participants from Indigenous (KickStart) and Multicultural (All Nations) backgrounds from all over Australia compete in a week-long tournament.

What is the Next Generation Academy?
Collingwood’s Next Generation Academy (NGA) is open to participants aged 11 to 15 years living within the region, but it is also dedicated to the development of future male and female footballers of multicultural or Indigenous backgrounds within the zone.

Girls and boys from all backgrounds, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander backgrounds, are encouraged to register and get involved.

Prior football experience is not a prerequisite to participate in the club’s Next Generation Academy.

Join the Next Generation Academy testing day
Collingwood is holding talent searches for its Next Generation Academy on two separate days in the coming weeks. Follow the link below to register now.

North East Zone
Where: Zerbes Reserve, Saxonwood Drive, East Doncaster, Victoria, 3109
Date: Saturday 5 May
Time: 10am - 11.30am
Registration: Free

South East Zone
Where: Warrawee Park Oval, 46B Warrigal Road, Oakleigh, Victoria, 3166
Date: Saturday 28 April
Time: 9.30am – 11am
Registration: Free

Click here to register to join the testing day now!

Registrations close on Thursday 25 April. Please email NGAcademy@collingwoodfc.com.au for all enquiries.