Richmond will leave no stone unturned giving potential father-son and father-daughter players every opportunity to reach the elite level.

Richmond has re-structured its pathway program, amalgamating Next Generation Academy (NGA) programming with its father-son, father-daughter pathways, establishing the Richmond Academy.

Ultimately it will streamline program delivery and provide the highest quality player development.

The Club recently conducted a screening and testing day at the Swinburne Centre for top-end talent, bringing together NGA talent and father-son, father-daughter prospects. The session included the sons and daughters of past players Nick Daffy, Matthew Knights, Duncan Kellaway, Brian Leys and Michael Thomson.

“We ran a testing and screening session that helps us identify how we can best support the development of these young players," Richmond Academy Director, Damien Villarosa, said.

“They are playing Club level and school football and we will work collaboratively with those organisations to identify how Richmond can support their development. We want to amplify the work they are already doing."

The NGA component of the Richmond Academy extends across the top half of Victoria - from Swan Hill and Mildura to Shepparton and Bendigo and across to Wangaratta and Wodonga.

NGA prospects are identified from multicultural and Indigenous backgrounds. The community connection work of the Korin Gamadji Institute (KGI) across Victoria has been integral in creating important connections with the Aboriginal community in the Club's NGA zone.

The AFL is currently reviewing NGA zones and it could change at the end of this year.

“Clearly we want to do everything possible to identify and develop these young players. While the ultimate outcome is that they end up on our AFL or AFLW list, that isn't the only measure of success," Villarosa said.

"We want them to have a great experience with Richmond and for them to grow and individuals on and off the field. Time will tell where that takes them."