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Aiming to uplift disadvantaged youth in south western Sydney, a collaboration between the BlueFit Foundation, AFL NSW/ACT and Camden Council has led to the successful launch of the Camden Get Active Youth Academy.

Led by BlueFit team members at Mount Annan Leisure Centre and Student Counsellors at Mt Annan Public School and Elizabeth Macarthur High School, the program has engaged 25 at-risk students in a series of enriching sporting activities.

Over six weeks, students participated in a variety of sports, including basketball, AFL, boxing, and a gym session, culminating in a multisport round-robin event on 10th December last year.

This pilot program aimed to not only promote physical activity to students in years 8 to 11 but also to foster social connections, make new friends and provide insights into potential career paths in the sport and recreation sector.

Among these employment opportunities were lifeguard and swim instructor courses offered by BlueFit Foundation, which includes free training to eliminate financial barriers.
This empowers participants to consider meaningful career paths within their local community while promoting a healthier lifestyle through ongoing recreational activities.

The positive impact of the program has seen:

• 75% of participants felt their mental health had improved through the program
• 88% of students said they gained new skills.

Most attendees highlighted the program's social and fitness benefits, such as making new friends, staying active and greatly increased confidence which was a major positive of the program.

Camden Mayor, Ashleigh Cagney explained “supporting our young people is one of the most important investments we can make in the Camden community. They are our future and this program and others like it provide them with opportunities to thrive and reach their full potential.

“At Camden Council, we’re so proud to have partnered with BlueFit and AFL NSW/ACT to deliver this program for our youth. It highlights what can be achieved when organisations work together with the shared goal of creating a vibrant, inclusive and supportive community for future generations."

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