Students from Armadale Senior High School were treated to an exclusive inner-sanctum tour of the West Coast Eagles Football Club last week, as well as spend some time with players Gerrick Weedon and Jarrad Oakley-Nicholls, all thanks to the club’s Indigenous Leadership Program (ILP).

The initiative is delivered by the West Coast Eagles, in partnership with the David Wirrpanda Foundation and principle community partner BHP Billiton, and aims to provide students with valuable life-skills and deliver positive health, lifestyle and educational messages.

Facilitated by David Wirrpanda Foundation mentor Troy Cook, the ILP is run over eight sessions, with the final session taking place at the West Coast Eagles Football Club.

For their final session last week, the students from Armadale Senior High School picked up some tips and tricks in a footy clinic with Weedon and Oakley-Nicholls, before taking a tour of club facilities. West Coast legend David Wirrpanda also caught up with the students and made a presentation about the importance of goal setting and education.

Armadale Senior High School teacher Barbara Hutchinson said the program has been extremely beneficial for students.

“I have seen a noticeable change in the attitudes of the students and attendance,” Barbara said.

“In addition, confidence in class to join in and share thoughts has also improved. This experience has been wonderful for our students.”

Students were also keen to cite their favourite parts of the program.

“I enjoyed all of the sessions, but thought the goal setting was really useful,” said student Larissa.

“My favourite parts were the football clinic, the club tour, and the talk from David Wirrpanda,” said fellow student Jahrell.

Thanks to the West Coast Eagles’ principle community partner BHP Billiton, the club is looking forward to strengthening its commitment to developing young AFL talent and building positive relationships with the Indigenous community.