A SHERRIN-shaped roof will be the feature of the AFL Cape York House when it is completed early next year and the national body's heavy hitters will be keeping a close eye on how the project runs.
Complete with a footy oval, has the capacity to house 48 students who will attend school in Cairns.
The indigenous boarders will play for their own, newly-created club in the AFL Cairns junior competition and live across the road from any number of potential workplaces in the industrial area that surrounds their Buchan St campus.
Partnerships with schools and JCU will ensure all their potential career interests are covered.
"It’s unique in the communal aspect and it’s cutting edge for us," AFL community engagement officer Jason Mifsud said.
"It’s an interesting case study for the AFL to see how it works."
Mifsud mentioned the prospect of taking in the indigenous TAC Cup and AFL recruits each year
to provide tutoring and professional development as one example of how the prototype could be adapted.
"It’s definitely transferable," he said. Mifsud and former Brisbane Lion triple premiership player Chris Johnson roamed the site yesterday.
"It’s opportunity. An option to have a good crack at life," Johnson, who is now an AFL engagement and talent co-ordinator, said.
"You talk about leadership in footy.
‘‘Here you’ll have your junior kids aspiring to graduate to the senior campus."
Johnson said the idea of playing for their own club only strengthened that environment.
"From there, you’ll get half a dozen in a state team or rep team – there are things you can step on top of that," he said.
The pair will travel to Bamaga next week for the annual Chris Johnson Cup, a round-robin tournament that features indigenous players from Cairns and the Cape York. A girls’ and boys’ Crusaders representative side is selected from the carnival.
Last Modified on 04/12/2012 09:42