Thomas Bradshaw and Chey McCumber – two talented leaders of AFL Victoria’s Laguntas and Boorimul junior football programs- have been recognised for their outstanding efforts this season at the KGI’s Awards and End of Year Celebration last week.
The programs, delivered in partnership with Richmond Football Club’s Korin Gamadji Institute (KGI), aims to identify and develop Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander football talent, and create pathway opportunities.
Sixteen-year-old Thomas Bradshaw hails from Halls Creek in NT originally, and moved to Gippsland in Victoria four years ago, with his cousin – new Essendon draftee Irving Mosquito.
Bradshaw has participated in the Laguntas program for three years, as well as the KGI’s REAL Program – a leadership program developing the next generation of Indigenous leaders.
AFL Victoria Diversity Talent Manager Chris Johnson said Bradshaw is a great role model for his peers, as well as a talented footballer.
“Thomas receives this award for the care he shows for his teammates, his positive energy around the group, his awareness for his teammates and how they are feeling,” Johnson said.
Eighteen-year-old Chey McCumber from Melbourne participated in the inaugural Boorimul program, a junior football development program for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander females, as well as the KGI’s REAL Program.
McCumber is described as a talented, mature and confident young woman, and deserving of her award.
“Chey has been an outstanding athlete and mature young leader during this year’s Boorimul program,” Lily Graham, AFL Victoria Female Indigenous Programs Coordinator said.
“Since launching the Boorimul program, we have come across some outstanding Indigenous female football talent coming through the ranks and Chey is definitely one of those young women.
“I’m really excited to see Chey continue her football and leadership development, she has a bright future in front of her.”
