North Melbourne Academy – Western Pathways Program 2026

The North Melbourne Academy Western Pathways Program is an invite only elite pathways program designed to bridge the gap between local community football and the Coates Talent League pathway.

Selected under 15 players will partake in a five-week program in September that includes four training sessions and an exhibition match against the Essendon Pathways Academy. The program provides talented footballers from across the North Melbourne Academy and relative talent league regions access to an elite football environment focused on development, game education and talent exposure.

Participants will receive:

• North Melbourne Academy program apparel.
• Talent pathways coaching and football education.
• Four training sessions and an exhibition match against the Essendon Pathways Academy.
• The opportunity to showcase their skills in front of talent staff from the Western Jets and Calder Cannons.