The Gold Coast is set to become home to a new NFL Academy, just the second of its kind in the world.
The Academy will be established at A.B Patterson College in Arundel, providing aspiring NFL players with a pathway to the big league.
Selected students will be able to combine their education with intense American football.
“We are excited to bring the NFL Academy program to Australia and the Asia-Pacific region – underlining the league’s ambitions and commitment to grow the sport and the fan base in the market in the long term,” Charlotte Offord, general manager NFL Australia and New Zealand said.
“The NFL Academy, alongside the ongoing investment and development in NFL Flag, will not only see more boys and girls engage with our sport, but offers more pathways for young athletes to play the game in the region in the years ahead.”
The Academy will open in September with students aged 12 to 18 able to apply for a place in the development program.
It will also include the construction of a high-performance facility at the college, set to be complete by 2026.
IMAGE: NFL Academy
“A.B. Paterson College is proud to be the new home of the NFL Academy in Australia,” Joanne Sheehy, A.B. Paterson College principal said.
“We are excited to announce this landmark partnership and celebrate the start of generational opportunities for our students, staff and the Gold Coast community.”
It’s hoped the Academy will uncover the next Aussie NFL star to follow in the footsteps of the likes of current NFL player Jordan Mailata.
The Philadelphia Eagles star was himself scouted back in 2017 and will be an ambassador for the Gold Coast Academy.
“Football has changed my life, and opening an NFL Academy in Australia will no doubt help many more young people change theirs,” Mailata said.
“The Asia-Pacific region is rich in sporting talent, and I look forward to seeing the next generation of football players out there craft their own pathway to playing in the NFL in the years to come.”
