The next generation of AFL Women’s stars have received coaching and advice from some of their footballing heroes.

62 players selected from the Western Sydney Junior’s Under 12, 13 and 14 Youth Girls competitions have been taking part in an eight-week program and on Wednesday were joined by the GIANTS’ VFL Women’s team including stars Amanda Farrugia, Alyce Parker, Louise Stephenson and Lisa Whitely.

The GIANTS Academy development program – run by AFL NSW/ACT with the support of the GIANTS Academy – aims to improve the skills of players and develop their game sense with the eventual goal for players to progress through the AFL NSW/ACT development pathways to the AFLW.

“We’ve noticed over the last few years the athletes that have been coming through and their skill development has been the thing that has sort of lacked,” Ash Moeller, Female Talent Pathway Manager NSW/ACT said.

“So, getting the girls involved in these sorts of programs where they’re doing weekly skill development will help them to potentially play AFLW one day.

“It’s a great experience for them to have VFLW and AFLW GIANTS out here at a training session and to get access to them.

“To learn off them, their heroes who they see playing earlier in the year, will pay dividends for years to come.”

The program at Blacktown International Sportspark - which has reached its halfway point – isn’t just aimed at players in Western Sydney.

Players from the ACT and across the Riverina are taking part in similar programs in Canberra and Wagga Wagga.