Eagles ruckman Nic Naitanui along with West Coast’s schools and community development officer David Hynes made the long trip up to Newman last Thursday to kick off the club’s Kicking Goals program.

First stop was Newman Senior High School, where Naitanui was quick to put the Kicking Goals students through their paces as they completed fitness testing as well as several skills tests, with many showing some impressive talent.

A Kicking Goals fundraising event was held at the Tigers Football Club on Thursday night with auctions and raffles helping to raise funds for a trip down to Perth for all program participants, as well as an incentive trip to Melbourne for three high-achieving Kicking Goals students.

The night proved a huge success, with BHP Billiton Iron Ore generously matching what was raised to take the total to approximately $15,000.

Naitanui said it was a great opportunity to get out and contribute to the community.

“It’s been a great trip,” Naitanui said.

“Being able to talk to some of the kids at the high school and pass on some of the things that I’ve learnt has been a really good experience.”

The Kicking Goals program is supported by 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.