Essendon has had a close connection with the people of the Tiwi Islands for more than 30 years and that relationship is set to continue for a long time to come with the Tiwi Islands forming an important part of the Bombers Next Generation Academy Zone in the Northern Territory. 

The Club visited the Islands this week to run a series of clinics and coaching sessions for the local community.

Essendon Generaly Manager of Football Operations Rob Kerr said he was impressed with the young talent on the islands. 

"We all know how much football means to the Tiwi Islands community," Kerr said.

"There is a lot of talent up here and many great footballers have come from Tiwi including our own Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti, and you can see the style they play by the way they have grown up playing the game on the islands.

"It's fast, energetic, skilful and free flowing - it's really exciting to watch." 

Supported by the AFL NT and it's regional managers, the trip also included a clinic with the Tiwi girls football team, coaching classes with local coaches, leadership sessions with the kids and a visit to the Tiwi Bombers main training session for the week.

"It is important we provide the local footy clubs and remote communities with as much knowledge as we can to help improve the quality of coaching and standard of programs at the grass roots level," Kerr said.

"It was great to see the girls and boys in action and we look forward to strengthening our relationship and involvement on the island as part of our academy program."