The Collingwood Football Club has announced the relaunch of the Peter Daicos Academy (PDA) for the 2023 season, with a renewed focus on promoting an inclusive environment for all talented young footballers. Established in 2012, the program has come a long way from its original focus on connecting Collingwood past players with the club, and now aims to create a pathway to the elite level for the next generation of talented players aged 19 and under.
The PDA program has expanded to include close to 100 children, including Father-Son and Father-Daughter recruits, as well as First Nations participants and culturally diverse talent. The academy provides participants with access to Collingwood’s training facilities and experienced coaches, in addition to wider football staff, to foster the skills of talented footballers and accelerate their development.
Many successful players have come through the Peter Daicos Academy, including current players Josh and Nick Daicos (sons of Collingwood legend Peter Daicos), Will Kelly (son of Collingwood 1990 premiership player Craig Kelly), and Collingwood defender Isaac Quaynor, who is joined by his brothers Matthew and Luke in the program this year.
Collingwood Head of the Peter Daicos Academy, Harmit Singh, is thrilled to welcome back the participants for the 2023 season, saying: “The Peter Daicos Academy not only accelerates player development with the aim of seeing future players drafted to our AFL or AFLW lists, but it also intends to help educate and advance our players as young leaders within the community.”
The PDA will hold its first training session on Monday, March 13 at the AIA Vitality Centre.
