Testimonials

What people say

The team at Rookie Me have created a program that is brilliant for young kids who love AFL football. They are guaranteed a really fun experience while developing their skills in a very professional environment.
Luke
Luke Darcy
Former AFL player for the Western Bulldogs, current media personality for the Seven Network and Triple M; and Western Bulldogs board member.
The training drills we did broke down complex parts of AFL into simple drills that made it easy to understand and to put into practice… The biggest part of the program was the enjoyment that I had. I made some great mates… The coaches who ran the program, were great guys who engaged really well us and that made the experience all the more enjoyable.
Jimmy
Jimmy Toumpas
Former Port Adelaide FC player
Anyone who wants to be the best that they can be should consider doing a Rookie Me football program. The high quality, experienced coaches will teach you how to run, kick, mark and handball but more importantly you will gain a more holistic understanding of what it takes to be an elite footballer.
Daisy
Daisy Pearce
Melbourne FC Women's Team Captain and AFL Ambassador
Rookie Me assisted me with my early understanding of what's required to prepare for AFL. It also taught me about skill development and how to self assess my skills to keep improving. Along with that it helped me with building relationships.
Clayton
Clayton Oliver
Melbourne FC player
Rookie Me taught me from a young age, what is required to play at the elite AFL level… It taught me how important it was to continually keep assessing and improving my skills, as I’m playing AFL and still doing these things on a regular basis throughout the week so I can stay ahead of my opposition and keep improving as a player.
Darcy
Darcy Gardiner
Brisbane Lions FC player
Rookie me assisted with my early understanding of what was required to take my footy to the next level. It taught me about skill development and how to self assess my skills to keep improving.. Rookie me was able to provide me with the best possible staff who had experienced the game at the highest level. Their knowledge and experiences had helped me turn into a better player and person.
Joshua
Joshua Schache
Western Bulldogs FC player
The Rookie Me football program is something that all parents should consider for their son or daughter.. My two sons have attended and benefited greatly from experienced coaches running this program. I’ve been heavily involved in footy all my life and can’t emphasise the importance of teaching young aspiring footballers, the early lessons to achieve the highest possible level they can through quality teaching.
Eddie
Eddie McGuire
AFL Commentator or Sports & Media Identity
Rookie Me helped me reach new levels in my football ability and also helped me develop my skill range to a whole different variety. Rookie Me is a big part of how I developed my football and where I am today.
Rhys
Rhys Mathieson
Brisbane Lions FC player
I was fortunate enough to take part in one of the founding Rookie Me camps… which gave me experiences and skills I have utilised in my first year of AFL football. I was able to identify my strengths and weaknesses through skill and fitness testing.
Jacob
Jacob Weitering
Carlton FC player
I would highly recommend the Academy, as I believe it provides teachings of the game at a high level. The drills and knowledge provided at the camps are of an AFL standard. My son has built great friendships with like-minded athletes who are on the same developmental path. The Rookie Me Academy holistic and personable approach to athlete development is highly impressive.
Gerard
Gerard Murphy
Leadership Consultant (Geelong FC & Richmond FC)
Great concept, great program and a great team behind the scenes making the program such a success.
Mal
Mal Darke
President of Mt Evelyn Junior Football Club (MEJFC)
My husband and I found, after the first camp that our son came back a different person. He was more confident and seemed to take on more responsibilities with his home/school life and sport. He is more focused on what he wants to achieve and that is thanks to Rookie me. He described it as “Absolutely inspirational “and something he will never forget.
Claudia
Claudia Perna
Academy Parent
From U9 to U12, my son was probably one of the worst players in his team. Last year at U13, he became a football machine and came runner up best and fairest. This year, he has the top prize in his sights and wants to help bring his team a flag. With your program, these things looks possible.
Jason
Jason Stoneham
Academy Parent
You don’t just make better footballers you make them better people, and give them such positive role models, can’t thank you enough!
Francene
Francene Bourke
Academy Parent

Is the Rookie Me pathway right for you?