camp 1: Our local leaders
In the heart of Central Australia, a transformative journey unfolded at the Dreamtime Academy camp, where young women found their voices and unlocked their potential through the power of footy.
Over four days in April 2025, Dreamtime Academy facilitated four football clinics, participated in local programs; Redtails Pinktails Academy and Arrernte Boxing, and delivered workshops on employment, health & wellbeing and panel discussions.
Let’s first recognise all the incredible volunteers who made Dreamtime Academy happen.
Top (Left to Right): Annie Pullar, Kaitlyn Ashmore, Courtney Hodder, Libby Taylor, Ally Anderson, Emily Bates, Eloise Jones.
Bottom (Left to Right): Lulu Pullar, Monique George, Doreena, Sarah SP, Lara Harding
OUR DREAMTIME ACADEMY LEADERS
Our camp was facilitated by guest AFLW Stars and local leaders from the Pinktails academy. Together these women facilitated our football camps, led group discussions, participated in local programs, and built connection and genuine relationships that will flourish beyond Dreamtime Academy.
Our inagaural camp featured superstar players from the Hawthorn FC, Brisbane Lions, Adelaide Crows, Sydney Swans and the local academy, Pinktails.
Dreamtime Academy invited local players, who have demonstrated leadership and commitment to training, to facilitate our camps alongside the AFLW players. In doing so, we develop these players professionally and personally, make them the heroes of their community, and allow organic friendships to evolve between AFLW athletes and local athletes.
Lara Harding (Pinktails Player Selected as Dreamtime Academy Leader)
Thank you to our inaugural Dreamtime Academy Athletes from the Pinktails Program; Libby Taylor, Lara Harding and Doreena. These women have inspired their community to dream and achieve those dreams. Best of all, they are here, they are accessible, they are at your local footy club, coffee shop and school.
At the core of Dreamtime Academy is sustainability. Engaging, elevating and empowering local female footballers is fundamental to our mission of being a sustainable program that provides opportunities to young women all year round.
A STORY OF CONNECTION: Dreamtime Academy x Pinktails
I have said from the beginning, this program is about IMPACTFUL OUTCOMES that will create genuine pathways for our community.
Let’s talk about impact then.
Dreamtime Academy guest athlete, Eloise Jones, from the Adelaide Crows, not only one of the most dynamic forwards in the competition, but a genuine great human who consistently engages with community football.
Eloise Jones (Left) with Pinktails leader, Doreena (Right).
Eloise, along with our other W athletes, forged a strong connection with local pinktails leaders, who travel every weekend to play in the SANFLW in Adelaide (as a part of the Pinktails program). Being an Adelaide based player, Eloise spent her weekend attending their SANFLW game; providing some key pointers and reconnecting after a huge week with Dreamtime Academy the week prior.
Eloise Jones (Right) with Pinktails Players, Kayla Costello, Kato, Doreena and Jordan Hickey (former Pinktails/GC Suns).
Now local aspiring female footballers from Central Australia, one of the remote and under-resourced regions in our country, have access to premier AFL talent. An opportunity that can’t be forced, but rather nurtured with trust, time and genuine care.
This is just one story of many.