ALTERNATIVE PROGRAMS & PATHWAYS
Education. Participation. Pathways. Alternative Programs.
Rusted Gems
We also run alternative programs like Rusted Gems, where participants engage in car restoration, mechanics, and trade skills. This program, delivered in partnership with Red CentreNATS and Charles Darwin university (CDU), provides real qualifications and leads to employment opportunities. To learn more about Rusted Gems, explore the resources below.
RPtails Academy
The Central Australian Football Club has provided established talent pathways through the Redtails and Pinktails programs, with over 72 representative games played since 2012. In 2021, we launched the RPtails Academy to offer talented senior men and women authentic elite-level experiences with SANFL clubs in South Australia. Our SANFL partners include both North Adelaide and South Adelaide Football Clubs.
The RPtails Academy allows participants to remain in Central Australia while accessing elite competition and AFL draft pathways. The Academy focuses not only on developing athletic talent but also on personal growth, education, and community leadership. Participants are supported through mentorship and personal development programs, ensuring accountability to schooling or employment commitments.
We are proud to see champions emerging from every part of our programs. Two standouts from our journey include Nigel Lockyer, who joined the North Adelaide Roosters in 2022, and Sarah Steele-Park, who joined the Sydney Swans in 2024. Their achievements reflect the power of our pathways and the dedication within our community, and you can follow their journeys below.
Our Clubs & Participants
The Redtails Pinktails Right Tracks Program works closely with Premier League and Community Clubs across Central Australia.
Premier League Clubs include → Rovers Football Club, South Alice Springs Sporting Club, Pioneer Football Club, Federal Football Club, West’s Football Club, Alkamilya Football Club, and Ltyentye Apurte Football Club.
Community Clubs include → Plenty Highway Football Club, Ti Tree Football Club, Nyirripi Football Club, Western Aranda Football Club, and the Yuendumu Magpies Football Club.
We also partner with a wide range of associations and organisations, including the Alice Springs Netball, Softball, Basketball, and Cricket Associations; the Alice Springs Correctional Centre, CDU Sport & Recreation students, Owen Springs Juvenile Detention Centre, local schools, Red Centre NATS and The Gap Youth Centre.
