Matthew Kevill and Merinda Beale are loving their role as mentors for children at seven schools across Western Sydney from Campbelltown to Bankstown.
And they're out to change the stereotypical view of Indigenous and Torres Strait Islander youth in the area.
"A lot of people don't work and they're all on Centrelink" is just one common view according to Matthew.
The AFL's push into Western Sydney isn't just about tackling Rugby League's heartland head on.
It's also about giving the youngsters role models to aspire to.
"Once you see an Indigenous male or female break that stereotype and passing it on yeah, that's huge," Matthew told SBS World News.
Merinda is a distant relative of Wallabies Rugby star Kurtley Beale. And although the Academies are primarily about helping children finish school, there are a few young players that are catching their eye.
Western Sydney school children learn how to play AFL and stay in school with the help of the Indigenous Acadamies Programmes Source: SBS
"A few of our kids actually play in the Greater Western Sydney Giants academy. So hopefully with the right pathway they'll get there".
The Academies don't just focus on sport. As part of their activities, the children can learn about cooking traditional recipes, weaving and art.
School day trips are also undertaken as part of the scheme. 
Matthew dropped out of school in Year 11 before getting involved as a participant in the Academy.
Western Sydney School children learn weaving the indigenous way as part of the AFL 9's Gala day for its Academies Source: SBS
He not only ended up finishing school, but also found a job running the Academy as its Programme Officer. And he couldn't be more grateful: "Huge wraps to the AFL for this programme and for my journey as well."
The Gala Day is held to coincide with Naidoc Week which begins this weekend.
