Subiaco Oval was overrun this afternoon by children from Parkerville Children and Youth Care who were paying a visit to their ambassador, premiership star Adam Selwood.

Since 1903, Parkerville has been providing care and protection to children and youth in need. This ranges from providing accommodation, a loving family environment, therapeutic care and education and employment training. Their aim is to give children the opportunity to experience stability and loving, long-term care.

As a not for profit, non-government organisation, Selwood was drawn to Parkerville after learning about the disadvantages faced by the children under their care.

“I really wanted to get involved so I could make a positive impact,” he explains.

“I’ve been blessed with a stable background and that’s something these kids have never had. Parkerville is a hands-on organisation and provides disadvantaged kids with opportunities to make their lives better.

"It has had so many inspirational stories and really makes an impact throughout the community in an area that can often be neglected."

In addition to supporting the corporate side of the organisation, attending official functions and assisting with fundraising initiatives, Selwood also takes time out to visit the kids at Parkerville and get involved in their programs which cater for children and youth from different backgrounds and with specific and varying needs.

This afternoon, the children walked the hallways of their heroes, touring West Coast facilities with Selwood. The first stop was the gymnasium, followed by a trip to the warm-up room where the children participated in some drills and exercises.

After stepping out onto Subiaco Oval, the biggest football stage in Western Australia, the children got up close and personal with the 2006 premiership cup in the players’ lecture theatre.

“The face-to-face contact with the kids is so rewarding. Hopefully they learn a bit from me, because I definitely learn a lot from them.”

For more information, visit the Parkerville Children and Youth Care website.