Kicking Goals is one of Australia’s largest regional based AFL mentoring programs, combining sport-based initiatives to help high school students in the Western Australia Pilbara towns of Port Hedland and Newman achieve better educational and employment outcomes.

West Coast Eagles dynamic duo Adam Carter and Scott Lycett headed north to Port Hedland and Newman last week, passing on some of their knowledge to high school students as part of the Kicking Goals program.

The program is a curriculum-based initiative that utilises a reward and incentive system, where students are required to maintain certain key performance indicators to stay in the program and be eligible for various incentives, including visits by West Coast Eagles players.

Young ruckman Lycett said it the trip was a great success.

“Every time we come up here, we’re greeted warmly,” he said.

“The program has been so successful over the years, the students seem to get a lot out of it and enjoy the time we spend together.

“When I was a young fella, getting visits from AFL footballers was a huge thrill, so to be able to give that experience to someone else is a great feeling.

“The clinics and games are a lot of fun, but it does reinforce important messages around eating well and living a healthy lifestyle.”

West Coast Eagles players and staff make 10 visits to the Pilbara region every year as part of the Kicking Goals program, where they conduct motivational talks and football clinics with students.

The West Coast Eagles would like to thank its Principal Community Partner BHP Billiton for making the Kicking Goals program possible.