Swans community programs upskilling local youth in Perth

Sometimes all it takes is an example to change someone’s life for the better.

The Swan Districts Community team understands the significance of this truth as they look to be role models in the lives of young people throughout the community.

The Department of Justice through the Criminal Property Grants Program supports Swan Districts to deliver a Mentoring and Leadership program throughout the Eastern Corridor for young people.

The program in partnership with the Kiara College, has a number of Indigenous students who are working together with Swans staff to complete their Level 1 AFL Coaching certificates.

Swan Districts Aboriginal and Multicultural Inclusion Officer, Luke Giblett, said it has been a great opportunity to get to know the young people and help them achieve something they can use in the future.

‘After spending some weeks getting to know the boys, it was apparent that footy was a major interest’ he said.

‘Swans gave the program the go ahead to run the course, with the idea of having the young people participate in and coach some of the AFL Village sessions the club are going to hold at multiple primary schools in our catchment.’

Steps in the future will see the students strengthen relationships with the team at the Swans, along with the goal of providing the opportunity to attend the club and receive a behind-the-scenes look at how coaches and players prepare and act on game days.

It is expected that these continued opportunities will see the program promote positive behaviours, increase sense of self-worth, and give the students goals to strive towards.