Youth & Schools

On The Ball

On The Ball is a school-based health promotion program - run by the Bill Hutchison Foundation in conjunction with the Essendon Football Club - that uses elite athletes as role models in the delivery of the program.

The goal of On The Ball is to improve the long-term health outcomes for young people, through developing problem-solving and decision-making skills and building a sense of belonging. The program targets Year 8 students and uses Essendon players and elite level netballers as facilitators.

» More about the On The Ball program

Essendon Football Academy

The Essendon Football Academy provides teenagers with a once in a lifetime opportunity to learn how all the tricks of AFL football from the best in the business. Catering to all abilities, the academy is allows budding AFL stars to showcase their skills in front of Essendon recruiters with activities including skill sessions, fitness training and draft camp testing. All inclusive cost is $600 per person.

» Download the registration form here

» Download the Puma Academy program form here

Secondary School Program

Essendon Football Club has developed a unique schools program for primary and secondary school students. The program is designed to compliment components of the existing school curriculum, in particular Physical Education units. Through the 2-3 hour program, schools have the opportunity to select a tailored experience depending on their needs and specific curriculum areas to be covered.

Walking School Bus

Essendon Football Club is a proud supporter of the Moonee Valley City Council's Walking School Bus program. The initiative encourages primary school children to engage in physical activity by walking to school. Almost 450 children are involved in the program which has been associated with the football club for the past three years. A Walk on Wednesday program has also recently been established as a result of the success of the WSB program and encourages all children in Moonee Valley to walk or ride to school on Wednesdays.

Literacy Program

The Essendon Football Club has established a literacy program to assist children and young people improve their literacy skills. The program uses EFC players as role models who will engage directly with children and young people by becoming reading role models. Players will have regular contact visits with the children over the course of the school year. An online component will be developed to broaden the reach of the program.

Tours

The Essendon Football Club conducts tours of the Windy Hill facilities and the Essendon Hall of Fame for various school groups. Please refer to the Hall of Fame section of the website for further information.

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