DSR helps Lions make their mark
A team from the Department of Sport and Recreation took part in a recreational AFL football match against the Edmund Rice Centre Lions at Coolbinia Reserve on Monday 31 May, as part of the Lions’ preparations for its ‘Big Match’ against the Eastern Hills Hawks in June.
15 June 2010
The Lions team consists of young and enthusiastic footballers from migrant and refugee backgrounds who have embraced the national game as a way to get involved in their local community.
While the ‘no tackling’ rule for the recreational match proved difficult for this team of very strong tacklers, it did not get in the way of a win for the Lions, the final score ERC Lions 6.6.42 to DSR 5.3.33.
Participation, fun and improving the skills of the Lions players were the main goals of the match, and all enjoyed a barbecue together afterwards.
The ERC Lions team of newly arrived young people was formed in March 2010 and has been training together towards the ‘Big Match’ since.
The team features three AFL World Team players, is coached and captained by the Sports Team of the Edmund Rice Centre Mirrabooka Youth Leadership Group and supported by the likes of the WA Football Commission, the Department of Sport and Recreation, City of Stirling and the Office of Multicultural Interests.
Members of the team have been busy not only training, but also serving their community as role models and coaching AFL clinics for younger people in the community.
The ‘Big Match’ will be held at Des Penman Memorial Reserve, Nollamara on Saturday 12 June. Festivities include activities for children and a free sausage sizzle and start at 9am, with bounce-down scheduled for 11.20am.
All are encouraged to go along, wear purple and cheer the Lions on!
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