The James Hird Academy, proudly sponsored by the Fontana Group, launched in 2010 and was established by the Essendon Football Club to identify, attract and develop young players from non-traditional AFL regions, father/son opportunities – taking their development through to the drafting age with the ultimate goal of being elevated to the senior list.

Essendon’s proud history of football dynasties continued in July with a number of the club’s budding father-son prospects attending the second “Two Day Camp” at Windy Hill. The boys of all ages were put through a range of football skills sessions with development coaches Dean Wallis and Hayden Skipworth, with a focus on the importance of preparation and recovery for a footballer.

Following the first day’s varied activities, the boys were joined by their parents, including ex-players Ken Fletcher, Chris Daniher, Steve Carey, Merv Neagle and Paul Vander Haar, at a celebratory dinner with guest speakers James Hird, CEO Ian Robson and Mark Thompson.

Click here to view the recent images of the James Hird Academy.