Youth Hub a source of pride as Cole signs off

Hayley Cole is a former Swan Districts WAFL Women’s player, but it’s her work with the Social Impact Team she will always take greater pride in the Youth Hub that has now nearly been in operation for 12 months.

Cole played 20 WAFL Women’s games with Swan Districts back between 2019-2021, but she has now just completed her time with the Swan Districts Social Impact Team and there has been so much great work done in the community that she has seen the impact it can have.

The Swan Districts Football Club took over the running of what had been the youth centre under the McDonald Stand at Steel Blue Oval under the control of the Town of Bassendean in July last year.

That has now transformed into the Swans Youth Hub and part of the role that Cole has had with the club has been implementing initiatives there.

Almost 12 months since Swan Districts took over the running of the Youth Hub, it has had a significant impact through the running of Swans Elevate sessions, providing barista training for the Swans Café, and other social impact programs open to a wider range of people.

“Since we have opened as Swans Youth Hub, we have predominately been a Drop In Space for 12-17 year olds,” Cole said.

“We currently have a Youth Consultation Group who successfully planned and ran a movie night late last year. There are even more exciting events and programs in the works to connect with as many local young people as we can.

“We pride ourselves on being welcoming, friendly and respectful to everyone who comes to The Hub and in return the young people have a sense of connection and belonging to the space and have really looked after it.”

One obvious and immediate impact that the Swans Youth Hub has had is with the barista training it has provided to provide those taking part the opportunity to then work with the Swans Café on game days at Steel Blue Oval.

The Youth Hub has had a more wide ranging impact than that as well though.

“We have two incredible young people from The Hub who are regular Coffee Van casuals who work with Zoey on game days,” Cole said.

“We have seen positive growth in their confidence and initiative since working their way through the Barista Program and working.

“The Hub is also a place for young people to get a few basic needs; a warm place, food, drink, connection. So they can relax from the stresses of their day at school and home.”

The history of the Swan Districts Football Club on the field is obvious and what the supporters see on game days gives them plenty of reasons to cheer the team on, and for that to be a big part of their lives.

However, it’s important for the club to have a much bigger impact on the community as a whole than just what happens on the football field.

That’s where the growth and development of the Social Impact Team has become increasingly important.

“As much as it is a challenge to express the difference of social impact and footy to the outer community, everyone has heard of Swans, particularly in the east metro area,” Cole said.

“It’s a club that has built a welcoming and accepting culture for all walks of life. The Youth Hub, and all Social Impact programs, is our way of extending that sense of belonging to people whose interest isn’t just footy, by providing supportive services.”

Cole has now finished in her time working with Swan Districts having started as a volunteer to working up to being a full-time employee of the Social Impact Team.

She takes great pride in everything she has been able to be part of.

“I am incredibly grateful for my time at Swans,” Cole said.

“I have worked my way from volunteer to trainee to program officer then program coordinator. From starting when I was 18 years old I have quite literally grown up at Swans.

“I have been provided with so many opportunities that have shaped me personally and professionally. With ongoing support and guidance from everyone at Swans, I have been able to find my passion and purpose in Youth Work and build a foundation for my career ahead.

“I am proud to have been a part of the impact Swans is having in Perth Metro and the Pilbara and look forward to seeing that grow through other regions. They raise the bar for community impact.

“Although I am excited to start a new chapter in the Youth Mental Health space, I will cherish the memories and lessons I have learnt at Swans. I know I won’t be able to stay away for too long!”