The six-week program was in collaboration with the City of Bunbury and SEDA College WA, with community members over-55and SEDA students coming together at the South West Sports Centre.

The weekly sessions involved a varying mix exercises and games to connect the two groups, as sessions began with two ‘walk-and-talk’ laps of the court whilst the students and participants share a brief chat before moving into active walking footy drills and a fun-filled match to finish it all off.

The intergenerational program is the first of its kind for the Club with the intention of bridging the age gap between the two groups and building bonds that will continue to extend within the local community once the program was finished.

01:49

Connecting Generations program launches in Bunbury

Older South West community members and SEDA students were brought together through the West Coast Eagles new Connecting Generations program.


Bunbury Community Coordinator Mel Toia had high praise for the Connecting Generations program, highlighting the impact of football as a common interest to connect the two groups.

“The program has been a huge success, both generations have really come together and the connection that’s grown between them has been beautiful,” she said.

“The intention of the program is to give young people the opportunity to interact with the older generation. To learn from them, share some stories and experiences and just generally enjoy each other’s company."

I loved every moment of it. I’ve not got a sporting bone in my body but I loved it. At my age I’m getting older, but these kids and this program made me feel I’m not as bad as I think I am.

- Barbara (South West participant)

The students have really got a lot out of it over the six weeks. Working with the older members of the community has been really enjoyable for them and they’ve really had a good time and learnt a lot of skills.

- Jesse Kirwen (SEDA College Teacher)

Great program. I have enjoyed it so much, as have the other ‘oldies’. The teenagers have been very interactive, friendly and respectful. Looking forward to next years event and hope that other ‘oldies’ come and give it a try.

- Merrilyn (South West participant)

“The highlight for me has been seeing relationships grow between both generations, it’s such a unique program that has really brough together different age groups who usually wouldn’t make time like this to get to know one another as in-depth as they have in this program,” Toia said.

“I think the beauty of the program is that footy unites people; footy brings people together. Whether you’re talking about the Eagles of the 90’s or talking about Harley Reid’s game on the weekend, it’s been that common interest between the two generations that has helped these newfound friendships blossom.”