Like many other AFL clubs, the Saints’ Next Generation Academy (NGA) offers a prestigious football program for elite junior talent.

But it’s the Academy’s attention to personal development that sets it apart.

With the aim of fostering promising footballers throughout the bayside region, the NGA’s devotion to off-field individual growth is almost unparalleled in the league.

READ: Jack Peris: Olympian, Saint or both?

A lesson on indigenous culture from ex-Saint and current Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Program Manager Allan Murray provided a rare level of insight, shedding light on the history of racism in sport.

There’s an increased focus on online behaviour and the effects of social media, an area development coach Cameron Feild said is crucial.

“I think it’s really important at this age,” Feild told saints.com.au.

“Because they’re influenced by so many things they see on social media from the other side of the world, it’s really important that they have a grounded approach to their life and growing up.

“Unfortunately – and I see it with my own kids at this age – there’s a real trend with forming opinions of other people based on a single photo or a snapshot of what your life is. Generally, kids get a lot of feedback, and some don’t take it so well.”

READ: Luke Power: Biggy 'impressive'

But Feild said the Academy’s efforts in reversing that trend would hold the participants in good stead.

“I think what the program offers is a holistic approach,” he said.

“We train not just their footballing side, but certainly their development side, both mentally and personally and maturing as a person.

“For a lot of boys going through this age, life’s a bit of a handful, so just having some structures around that, even if they don’t eventually realise their dream of playing AFL footy, certainly gives them the opportunity to grow up and be good young men, and I think the program offers that.”

Under the guidance of ex-Saint and NGA head coach Nick Dal Santo, the Academy’s north and south hubs have flourished over the past two seasons, now boasting a crop of over 750 junior footballers chasing the AFL dream.

Partner backing has been instrumental to the rapid growth of the Academy, with both the north (South Metro Junior Football League and Sandringham Dragons) and south hubs (Frankston and District Junior Football League and Dandenong Southern Stingrays) enjoying local support.

And for youngsters like Mitch Owens, the NGA provides a platform where that dream is another step closer.

“It’s pretty crazy being at St Kilda’s training facilities,” he said.

“I would never have thought I’d be training here, it’s just really cool to be at an AFL club’s ground.”

READ: Emerging stars to stay Saints

At just 14 years old, Owens’ footballing journey has already taken him from club level through to the Sandringham Dragons, the inter-league development program and the Saints’ NGA under-15 talent program.

Owens’ mother was born in Japan, which qualifies him to be nominated as a draft concession player for St Kilda, and he’s revelling in the experience.

“It’s pretty cool to have someone like Nick Dal Santo around the club,” Owens said.

“The NGA program has helped a lot with my footy; we’re learning new things all the time which is really awesome, and we also learn about other things outside of footy, which is really good.”