Ameenah Bradshaw (centre) and other participants have fun during a warm-up .
Camera IconAmeenah Bradshaw (centre) and other participants have fun during a warm-up . Credit: Supplied/Supplied, Marie Nirme        www.communitypix.com.au d451709

Kicking goals for diversity

Pia van StraalenCanning Gazette

The Welcome to the AFL program, which ran every Tuesday after school at Riverton Reserve, offered skills training, parent education sessions and football resources to the ethnically diverse Riverton community.

The West Australian Football Commission’s (WAFC) community engagement department worked closely with multicultural schools and communities and offered resources and programs to help enhance children’s skills and knowledge of Australia’s game.

WAFC community engagement co-ordinator Liam Anthony said football was an all-inclusive sport that acted as an ideal vehicle to help encourage participation and develop intercultural understanding among youth from diverse backgrounds.

“It is a great way for young people to develop their skills and knowledge of the sport, but to also make new friends and keep active,” he said.

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The program also provided participants direct access to other programs such as KidSport and sport opportunities in the community.

WAFC delivered the program in partnership with the Office of Multicultural Interests, City of Canning, Riverton Junior Football Club, Department of Sport and Recreation and Communicare to engage young people from different cultural backgrounds.

Riverton Junior Football president Richard Brown said the program was very successful.