THE federal government has issued  $300,000 grant to the Port Adelaide Football Club to expand its highly-acclaimed Aboriginal programs into the APY lands in South Australia's north.

The grant will allow Port Adelaide's WillPOWER program to reach children in the APY Lands and deliver its healthy lifestyle messages.

The club's Power Community Ltd team will work with Aboriginal Programs ambassador Gavin Wanganeen and other past and present Aboriginal players to deliver the programs in these remote areas.

"This is a very important opportunity to further expand our commitment to Aboriginal education," says Port Adelaide CEO Keith Thomas.

"There is important work to be done in the APY Lands to encourage young children to attend school more often.

"The federal government has invited us to assist them with this challenge which we are thrilled about.

"Led by our outstanding Aboriginal Programs Manager Paul Vandenbergh, our unique new program will involve both regular on-the-ground experience for the children and remote high-tech education from our community classroom at Alberton.

"Gavin Wanganeen joined a party of Port Adelaide staff today to launch the program in Fregon, and he and many of our past and present Aboriginal players will play a role in delivering the program over the next 12 months.

"This is another major step forward in our strategy to engage with communities throughout the central corridor of Australia.

"It’s a big challenge, but we’re up for it."