Karrinthi will support participants through a culturally safe and strengths-based approach.

The Adelaide Crows Foundation has expanded its First Nations programs with the launch of Karrinthi, a new physical activity, cultural wellbeing and health education program designed for First Nations people.

Karrinthi — the Kaurna word for Take Flight — will support participants through a culturally safe and strengths-based approach that combines movement, mentoring, education and ongoing support pathways.

The program will run from the Adelaide Football Club in partnership with employment and community services provider Workskil Australia and the Office for Recreation, Sport and Racing. It will support 40 participants in its first year, increasing to 80 participants in 2027.

Delivered by Adelaide’s high-performance practitioners, weekly 90-minute sessions will focus on building movement confidence, foundational fitness habits and personal wellbeing through progressive and inclusive activities.

The sessions will include strength and conditioning, boxing, running and walking groups, aquatics, gym skill development and team-based activities.

First Nations facilitators will also lead sessions incorporating traditional cultural practices and focusing on sleep, nutrition, resilience, stress regulation, leadership, mental health first aid awareness and healthy lifestyle behaviours.

Adelaide Football Club First Nation Programs Manager Jeremy Johncock said Karrinthi had been designed to empower people through connection, culture and confidence-building opportunities.

“Karrinthi is about creating a safe and supportive environment where First Nations people can build confidence in themselves, strengthen their connection to culture and develop healthy habits that support long-term wellbeing,” Johncock said.

“We know the power sport and community can have in changing lives, and this program is designed to give participants the tools, support and pathways to thrive both physically and mentally.”

Johncock said the program reflected the Adelaide Crows Foundation’s commitment to creating meaningful and sustainable outcomes for First Nations people.

“It’s fantastic that we can draw on the expertise of our high-performance staff to shape this program. This is more than a fitness program — it’s about building confidence, trust and creating opportunities that extend well beyond the program itself,” he said.

At its conclusion, participants will receive an additional 26 weeks of post-program support to assist with ongoing participation in sport and recreation, connection to health services and employment pathway opportunities.

Nicole Dwyer, CEO of Workskil Australia, said the Karrinthi program reflects the organisation’s commitment to culturally and community-grounded approaches that support long-term engagement. 

“Karrinthi is about creating a culturally supportive environment where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander participants can build confidence, strengthen connection and engage with structured pathways at their own pace,” Ms Dwyer said. 

“Through our partnership with the Adelaide Crows Foundation, we are proud to support a program that recognises the importance of culture, identity and community as foundations for future participation in education, training and employment.”

The launch of Karrinthi comes as the Crows prepare to celebrate the AFL’s Sir Doug Nicholls Round, which recognises and celebrates the significant contribution Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people make to Australian football and the wider community.

Karrinthi forms part of the Club and Foundation’s ongoing commitment to reconciliation, cultural connection and improving health and wellbeing outcomes for young First Nations people across South Australia.

For more information about the Adelaide Crows Foundation, visit the Adelaide Crows Foundation here.