Some of Western Australia’s most talented Indigenous teenagers are gearing up for the latest BHP Billiton Iron Ore Indigenous Leadership Program session, with the group set to visit Subiaco Oval for West Coast’s final home game.

Twenty young Indigenous players will be attending the match to complete this year’s program, which not only focuses on building footy skills, but also learning important life lessons, including leadership, goal setting and mentoring in the community.

Nominated by their WAFL club, the 15- to 17-year-olds have been attending sessions with West Coast staff and sporting industry leaders, providing them with a personal insight into life as a professional AFL footballer.

Covering everything from sports science, to nutrition and handling the media, the lively sessions have also incorporated presentations from current Eagles, Fremantle stalwart and David Wirrpanda Foundation ambassador Troy Cook and Sandover medallist Phil ‘Magic’ Narkle.

Narkle, who has returned to West Coast as the club’s Indigenous Liaison Officer, was quick to commend the program’s ability to not only expose the teenagers to the mental and physical demands of football, but assist in their development as young community leaders.

“It allows these young Indigenous boys to experience something they may not have had the opportunity to experience,” Narkle said. “It teaches them and shows them what they’ll need to do to get to that next level.

“It will also give them an opportunity to demonstrate their leadership skills in their community or sporting group.”.

Undoubtedly, the highlight for the youngsters will come on Sunday, when they will receive exclusive access into the club’s ‘inner sanctum’ to watch the team prepare to take to the field for the final home game of the season.

The success of the program, run by West Coast Eagles in partnership with the club’s principle community partner BHP Billiton Iron Ore, looks set to strengthen the organisation’s commitment to developing young AFL talent and building positive relationship with the Indigenous community.