The Saints’ connection to grassroots footy in their own backyard has never been stronger.

And a key reason for that connection is St Kilda’s renewed partnership with the Frankston and District Junior Football League (FDJFL).

The Saints reaffirmed their continuing commitment to the Southern Bayside area to strengthen community football and junior talent pathways.

The partnership has forged a strong pathway from junior-level club football to the development program, right through to the Saints’ Next Generation Academy (NGA), fostering high-end talent in the southern reaches of the club’s NGA zone.

AFL South East and the FDJFL now conduct some of their activities out of St Kilda’s Seaford base – the Linen House Centre – facilitating greater collaboration and allowing access to first-class facilities.

St Kilda’s Next Generation Academy (NGA) also forms a vital component of the partnership, with the Academy’s Southern Hub comprised predominantly of FDJFL football talent.

The Saints’ playing group has always embraced the partnership wholeheartedly, acting as player ambassadors and conducting player appearances, school visits, Auskick clinics, junior club visits and community camps.

Fostering Indigenous talent is also high on the list of the partnership’s priorities, with the AMC Indigenous Scholarship available to local indigenous youth to participate in the NGA.

At this year’s AFL South East Junior Carnival, the FDJFL team will play as the FDJFL Saints, a very visible sign of the two-way commitment.

General Manager of Community Lisa Laing spoke of the importance of maintaining a strong connection to community football.

“We’re incredibly proud to be fostering local football in our bayside region,” Laing told saints.com.au.

“To now have the FDJFL conducting some of their activities out of our Seaford base as a community partner means our connection to our old home is even stronger.

“We’re really excited to continue our long-standing connection to the community in our own backyard.”

The AFL South East Junior Carnival will take place at numerous locations in Melbourne’s south east kicking off next Wednesday 5 June and over the Queen’s Birthday weekend.