Your go-to footy development program for kids 6 to 12
Designed by Head Coach James Podsiadly alongside former Adelaide Crows captain Rory Sloane, AFL Max Skills School is the best footy development program for kids aged 6 to 12. Across three school-holiday sessions in April, July and October, your child builds real skills, game smarts and confidence, guided by AFL Max’s expert coaching team and backed by pre and post-session resources that keep them developing all year round. Whether they’re new to footy or refining their game, every session delivers standalone value, and all three together build a complete player.
Designed by James Podsiadly & Rory Sloane
AFL Max Skills School was designed by Head Coach James Podsiadly, former AFL forward and founder of AFL Max, who designed the program alongside former Adelaide Crows captain Rory Sloane. Their elite-level coaching philosophy shapes every session, taking kids from the fundamentals right through to game-day leadership. On the day, sessions are delivered by AFL Max’s experienced coaching team, following the structured program James and Rory built.
Why choose AFL Max Skills School
- Elite pedigree: A program designed by Head Coach James Podsiadly and Rory Sloane, delivered by AFL Max’s coaches
- Structured development: Each session builds on the last, from fundamentals to full-game leadership
- Pre and post resources: Exclusive filmed skills videos and a downloadable guides for every participant
- Full-day school-holiday sessions: 9am to 3pm of active, engaging development
- Flexible: Attend one, two or all three sessions, with valuable skills gained either way
- Bonus AFL/AFLW masterclass: A one-hour guest masterclass included with each session
The three sessions: what your child develops
Session 1, April. Preseason: Footy Fundamentals
Master the basics from the ground up. Players develop the core skills every footballer needs, including kicking, handballing, marking, ground balls and clean hands, in a fun, confidence-building setting.
What they’ll develop: confidence in the fundamentals, professional training techniques, and a clear roadmap to build on before Session 2.
Resources: a pre-session video to prep a key skill at home, plus a post-session video and a downloadable resources.
Session 2, July. Game Play: Strategy & Tactics
Turn skills into smart footy. Building on the fundamentals, players learn patterns of play, tactics and game-time decision-making, applying their skills in real game scenarios. New to the program? They’ll catch up on the basics first.
What they’ll develop: a deeper understanding of game strategy, applying skills under pressure, and confidence thinking on their feet.
Resources: pre and post-session videos, plus a downloadable resources.
Session 3, October. Game Development: Leadership & Teamwork
Bring it all together. The final session focuses on leadership, teamwork and whole-game development, covering what it takes to lead on and off the field and work effectively within a team.
What they’ll develop: leadership and communication, integrating skills and tactics into full games, and understanding the responsibilities of a player and a leader.
Resources: pre and post-session videos, plus a downloadable resources.
Bonus: an AFL/AFLW masterclass
Each session includes a one-hour masterclass with a special guest AFL or AFLW player, announced closer to the date. It’s a memorable bonus on top of the coaching, and a chance to learn from and meet a star of the game.
Pricing and Locations
Pricing
- $110 per session (9am to 3pm)
- Sibling offer: 2 tickets for $199 (save $21)
- Attend one, two or all three sessions across the April, July and October school holidays. Each session stands on its own, and all three together build a complete player.
- Add-ons: Skills School T-shirt $30, Skills School Cap $15
Choose your location
AFL Max Skills School, Adelaide
| Date | Venue | Address | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuesday September 29 | Brighton Football Club | Highett Ave, Hove SA 5048 | BOOK |
| Wednesday September 30th | Tea Tree Gully Football Club | Steventon Drive, Banksia Park SA 5091 | BOOK |
| Wednesday October 7 | Virginia Football Club | 15 Old Port Wakefield Rd, Virginia SA 5501 | BOOK |
AFL Max Skills School, Melbourne
What to Bring
Skills School Merchandise
- Skills School T-shirt $30
- Skills School Cap $15
Questions?
Get in touch with our team
