Former St George Dragons rugby league grand final player and Endeavour Sports High School teacher Jeff Hardy is the NSW director of the Endeavour Clontarf Foundation.
Hardy said The Clontarf Foundation is to improve the education, discipline, life skills, self-esteem and employment prospects of young Aboriginal men and equips them to participate meaningfully in society.
‘‘I have been with Clontarf for over a year now and have just started the first Sydney academy at Endeavour in the second school term,’’ Hardy said.
‘‘We started with 37 boys and now have 52 with another four or five to join soon.
‘‘The focus is to monitor school attendance and get the boys through to year 12 then find employment.’’
Sydney Swans media manager Jordan Laing said the Indigenous players Shayden Close, 15, and Chris Holten, 15, who are cousins from Kempsey, are moving to Endeavour High School next year and will board at the Kirinari Aborginal Hostel, Sylvania.
Academy coach and former Swans star Michael O’Loughlin said the teens will join their academy.
He said Endeavour will help with their development as athletes and education.
Sydney Swans media and public relations manager Jordan Laing said they are excited to have Endeavour on board with the program.
‘‘Shaydan and Chris are moving because they’re both fantastic AFL prospects and their schooling and footballing will be improved by making the move to the school,’’ Jordan Laing said.
