Run by Essendon star Adam Saad, the Adam Saad Academy is an eight-week development and leadership program aimed at developing kids' skills on and off the field.

Following an extensive selection process, the squad is trimmed down to 25 players who undergo skills training and education sessions on nutrition, leadership and team values.

In 2019, the Adam Saad Academy players were lucky enough to play against Collingwood's NGA team at the MCG ahead of the round 23 clash between the Bombers and Magpies.

Below is the 2020 schedule for the Adam Saad Academy, with all sessions starting at 5pm and ending at 6:30pm.

Week 1:  Wednesday, July 3 at The Hangar

- Welcome and information session for players and parents
- Apparel handout
- John Meeson – Adam Saad’s player manager
- Tour of facility  

Week 2: Wednesday, July 10 at The Hangar

- Football development
- Adam Saad to run team values session

Week 3: Wednesday, July 17 at The Hangar

- Football development
- Bachar Houli to run cultural awareness session

Week 4: Wednesday, July 24 at The Hangar

- Football development
- Nutrition and injury prevention session

Week 5: Wednesday, July 31 at venue TBC

- Team activity

Week 6: Wednesday, August 7 at The Hangar

- Football development
- David Rodan to run umpiring session

Week 7: Wednesday, August 14 at The Hangar

- Football development
- Adam Saad to run goal-setting session

Week 8: Wednesday, August 21 (TBC) at The Hangar

- Adam Saad Academy vs TBC