The first session of the BHP Billiton Iron Ore Indigenous Leadership Program will kick off tomorrow as part of the lead up to Indigenous Round this week, with 27 talented young Indigenous players given the opportunity to gain a first-hand look into the life of an AFL footballer.

Three budding Indigenous superstars chosen from each of nine WAFL clubs will be provided with the unique opportunity to take part in a variety of sessions focussing on everything from leadership, to goal setting and sports nutrition.

The program, which aims to expose participants to the opportunities that lay ahead of them if they wish to commit themselves mentally and physically to the life of a professional AFL footballer, will culminate with the group given the rare experience of participating in a training session on the hallowed turf of Subiaco Oval.

Spread across three different sessions throughout the year with the progress of players being continuosly monitered, the commencement of the program tomorrow will see presentations from experienced West Coast Eagles personnel and mentors of the game including former West Coast Eagles player and Sandover medallist Phil Narkle.

Targeting players between the ages of 15-17 who have had no previous exposure to other developmental squads or programs, Narkle, who is also the Indigenous Liaison Officer with the Eagles, says the program promotes improved sporting, leadership, education and employment outcomes for the participants.

‘It allows these young Indigenous boys to experience something they may not have had the opportunity to experience. 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,' Narkle said.

In only its third year of operation, the success of the BHP Billiton Iron Ore Indigenous Leadership Program in providing benefits to Indigenous youth will ensure the continued support from West Coast Eagles and BHP Billiton Iron Ore.

The 2010 BHP Billiton Iron Ore Indigenous Leadership Program nominees are:

Shannon Taylor                Callum Phillips                 Kristian Egan
Ernie Johnson                   Kohen Hart-Cole            Marley Hunter
Jeff Fong                          Mervyn Bennell              Glenn Rodd
Godfrey Curley                Cameron Haydon            Luke Yates
Christopher Yarran          Chris McGuire                Rhys Logan
Emmanuel Collard            JaydenD’Vavz                Marven Warrell
Ashley Hill                       Alan Jones                      Edward Hill
Terrence Gilla                  Kirwin Miller                  Thomas Murphy
Isiah Stevens                   Ian Gartlett                      Graham Ryan
Bradley Hill                      Kyle Ryder