Swans helping to build young coaches for the future

The Swan Districts Football Club in partnership with The Department of Justice and Kiara College have teamed up to help bring motivation and enjoyment back into learning.

With the assistance of Swan Districts Aboriginal and Multicultural Inclusion Officer, Luke Giblett, and Metro Community Development Manager, Shane Beros, last week saw seven Indigenous students successfully complete their Level 1 AFL Coaching certificates.

Lessons were broken up between theoretical and practical skills-based learnings, and ran across a five-week period, accommodating for students outside of the mainstream school curriculum. The Swans community program, in partnership with Kiara College’s initiative to create a culturally inclusive learning space, has provided stability and a sense of belonging for these students and as a result school attendance and connection with community has increased.

Originally designed as a platform to promote positive behaviours, increase work ethic, leadership and give the students a goal to strive towards, Luke says he couldn’t be prouder of the successes achieved by the students and looks forward to them being able to now use their newly acquired qualifications throughout the community.

“The program was created due to the student’s engagement with AFL football, a lack of diversity in the WAFL/AFL coaching systems and to give them a practical skill base that can be transferable into the workforce” he said.

“The level of engagement was unprecedented and was very well received by the students.”

With a number of teachers pleasantly surprised by each students’ accomplishments, the next steps will see the young men help facilitate junior coaching clinics for some of the Swan Districts community programs and be given roles to provide assistance on game days for the club’s coaching staff.

With many people assisting in the success of this program, the club would especially like to thank Rod ‘Rocket’ Manton (Swans Chaplain and proud Koori man), Desi Farrell (Kiara College Aboriginal Education Officer), Frank Anderson (Swans Youth Inclusion Officer and senior player), Shane Basioli (Kiara College home-room teacher) and Greg Harding (Swans Talent Manager) for their continuous support and dedication to the students.