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2012 Peel District Aboriginal Football Program

A new program this year will encourage Aboriginal junior players turning 13, 14 and 15 years of age within the Peel District Junior Football League and their families to participate and develop lifelong associations with the game.

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15 February 2012

Flag presentation.The Peel District Aboriginal Football Program also aims to raise Aboriginal awareness amongst member clubs and of health and wellbeing issues within the local Aboriginal community.

“Football will be used to attract players to play sport, attend school, display good citizenship, be health conscious and aware, provide leadership, and most of all be proud of their Aboriginal culture,” said Department of Sport and Recreation Indigenous Sport Development Officer Trevor Stack.

“Part of the program’s philosophy is to ‘Be proud. You represent your family, yourself, your people and your community’.”

The program is a joint initiative between the Peel Thunder Football Club, West Australian Football Commission, Department of Sport and Recreation, Aboriginal Health Council of WA, David Wirrpanda Foundation and the West Coast Eagles.

Along with mentoring, skill development, health and wellbeing education, cultural awareness, football games and excursions, the program will also include participation in DSR’s Nicky Winmar Carnival.

“The Nicky Winmar Carnival is part of the pathway to selection in the 15s State Indigenous Team that competes in the AFL National Kickstart Carnival,” Mr Stack said.

“These pathway opportunities are so important to Aboriginal people’s continuation and success in the game, and ultimately, to their participation making a positive difference in their lives.”

Any Aboriginal boys aged 13 to 15 within the Peel District wanting to be part of the program should contact WAFC Development Officer Peter Brear on 0438 677 700.

Photo caption: Peel Thunder President John Ditchburn, Peel District Aboriginal Football Program Coach Barry Lawrence and DSR’s Trevor Stack receive an Aboriginal flag donated by Dr Kim Hames MLA.