West Coast Eagles dynamic duo Luke Shuey and Beau Wilkes visited the Pilbara communities of Hedland and Newman last Wednesday passing on some of their knowledge to the local high school students as part of the Kicking Goals program.

The Kicking Goals program is a unique partnership between the West Coast Eagles, BHP Billiton Iron Ore and the Swan Districts Football Club that uses sports-based initiatives to help Pilbara communities achieve better educational and employment outcomes.

Specifically targeting Newman and Hedland Senior High Schools, students from years 8, 9 and 10, are taught the value of education and community work throughout the school year in a variety of workshops and teaching situations with their football heroes.

The program uses role models such as Wilkes and Shuey as well as the country’s favourite sport of football to deliver positive educational and community messages.

Shuey was excited to have had the opportunity to make the trip up to Hedland and share some of his knowledge with the students of Hedland Senior High School.

“You can see how much the kids get out of it and how much they learn from the experience,” said Shuey.

At Newman Senior High School, Wilkes took students through a series of skill-based clinics, giving advice to a number of Kicking Goals participants about the importance of education.

Wilkes said making the trip up to Newman to work with the Pilbara students was a unique opportunity to give back to the community.

“The program is great and teaches the kids a lot of important messages. You can tell that they really enjoy it too,” said Wilkes.

The Kicking Goals program focuses on improving life skills, school attendance, academic achievement and the health and well-being of young children in the Pilbara region.

The program involves coaching clinics, videoconference sessions, email and telephone exchanges between players and students and various other activities throughout the year.