The West Coast Eagles’ Kicking Goals program has wrapped up another successful year in 2012.

The program combines sport-based initiatives to help high school students in the Pilbara towns of Port Hedland and Newman. BHP Billiton, Swan Districts, the West Coast Eagles Football Club and local high schools partner to deliver Kicking Goals which is one of Australia’s largest regional AFL mentoring programs.

The program is delivered to students in years eight to 12, and offers them the chance to develop expertise in the football industry including coaching, umpiring and certificates in first-aid. Students are encouraged to utilise these skills to volunteer in the community and support the growth of football participation in the Pilbara.

Through the Kicking Goals program, participants get the opportunity to meet their football heroes with West Coast Eagles players and staff visiting the towns 10 times a year. The 2012 season has also seen West Coast ruckman Nic Naitanui videoconference with Kicking Goals students in Hedland and Newman. Students also have the chance to be eligible for other incentives such as football trips and the opportunity to take part in curtain raiser matches before West Coast fixtures at Patersons Stadium.

The 2012 season also saw the introduction of a full time Kicking Goals co-ordinator dedicated to the East Pilbara Region. The role based in Newman has resulted in a 131% increase in the growth of the program in this town.

Learn more about Kicking Goals.

The West Coast Eagles would like to thank its principal community partner BHP Billiton for making the Kicking Goals program possible.