QBE has extended its sponsorship of the Sydney Swans until the end of 2019.

The insurer is in its 28th year as a principal partner of the AFL club, with a deal that includes support of the QBE Sydney Swans Academy.

The academy, which was launched in 2010, recruits and develops young athletes with the potential to become AFL players.

Each year 500 boys aged 11-19 from Sydney and regional NSW participate.

QBE Australia & New Zealand CEO Colin Fagen says he is “incredibly proud” of the academy.

“Our commitment to the development of future… leaders is as important in AFL as it is throughout all of our community.”

Swans CEO Andrew Ireland says the partnership is one of the longest in Australian sport.