The West Coast Eagles, together with community partner BHP Billiton Iron Ore, this week launched the inaugural Indigenous Leadership Program, welcoming 27 young indigenous football players to club headquarters for a two-day development course.
The educational football program provided these talented youngsters with a first-hand insight into the inner workings of an AFL club with presentations by experienced West Coast personnel and mentors of the game, as well as messages from senior coach John Worsfold and indigenous role model David Wirrpanda.
Together with a specialised training session on Subiaco Oval, WA’s home of football, the variety of presentations will provide participants with basic life and football skills and expose them to the opportunities that lie ahead should they choose to commit themselves to the life of a professional AFL footballer.
In consultation with the WAFC Talent and Coaching Manager and each WAFL club, three indigenous players between 15 and 17 years of age were identified from each club to take part in the program.
West Coast schools development co-ordinator Kim Hannah said he was hopeful that the knowledge and skills gained during the course would assist the participants not only as footballers, but also as people.
“We’ve taught them things to do with nutrition, to do with general leadership, about decision making, goal setting and hopefully anything that will help them in their sporting careers, but also throughout their lives in general.
“There’ve been a few different things on. We had Peter Worsfold who talked about leadership and ran some hands-on programs, some decision making drills with the kids.
“We’ve had some talks to them about their health habits, about nutrition and about the particular challenges that sometimes indigenous players face. So we had Phil Narkle, one of the past champions of the AFL and one of the inaugural West Coast Eagles team players, come in to speak about his experiences.
“Things like moving away from home, things like having to make a new start in some areas and to find their way in what can be a difficult atmosphere in some cases.
“It’s not just about them being footballers, we’d love to see them take something from this program that they can put into place for the rest of their lives as well.”
Young Claremont footballer Luke Davies, one of three participants originally from the Kimberley and now boarding at Christ Church Grammar School, said he was inspired by the success of indigenous star David Wirrpanda.
“Our boarding co-ordinator nominated us to come here because he thought us three were quite good leaders in the boarding house for not only the younger guys, but also young indigenous guys in the boarding house too.
“Then we can go back home and teach the younger indigenous guys the right way; if you go to school and do all the right things, you can come away with good stuff too.
“David Wirrpanda’s story tells us that just because you’re far away or you’re stuck in a little town, doesn’t mean you can’t make it to the top, you can always keep trying and pushing.”
Together with BHP Billiton Iron Ore, the West Coast Eagles is committed to making a difference to the lives of young people through education, health and leadership programs.
