SPRING 2014

SPRING 2014

INSIDE Broncos Show Northern Promise

Casting a Net in Ellenbrook

Young Trainee Travels to Broome

Swans Paint it Black and White

New Tigerland Roars at Kostera

Creating Chances for Kids with Disabilities

Plus lots more!

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SPRING 2014 CONTENTS FROM THE CEO’S desk 3 From The CEOs Desk 3 From The District Welcome everyone to another edition of Manager’s Desk ‘Black & White’ which see’s the club exceeding 4 Playing Kindergarten expectations on field and starting to build some Cop momentum off field. A strong Community focus has once again be 5 Broncos Show Northern highlighted by the large number of local zone Promise players that have represented the league team in 6 Casting a Net in 2014. For the first time in many years, Claremont Ellenbrook Football Club has been overtaken in this area and I’m proud to say that Swan Districts Football Club 7 Young Trainee Travels to leads the way in the WAFL with over 75% of Broome players used this year coming directly from our 7 Hills Spring into AFL 9s zone. The season has also, at times, seen us lead the Rodriguez Shield as the best performed club across all three grades and we currently sit second with only 8 Smashing the Glass one round to play so another great indication of what our Football Department and Ceiling players have been able to achieve. 10 Mighty Ducks Come of In terms the competition and in particular and Fremantle Age Dockers being partnered with East Perth and Peel respectively, a full review of the 11 Swans Paint It Black and rules and regulations will be conducted in October to ensure that the competition White is not further compromised by either of these clubs being too dominate nor any non-partnered club being further disadvantaged in terms of football department 12 New Hope for resources. Caversham As I write this we have one game to play against East Fremantle and if we win 13 New Tigerland Roars at we are guaranteed a home final. Either way our Colts and League teams we will Kostera be tasting September finals action and anything can happen once you’re in there. 14 Creating Chances for Taking all of that into account you can see we are well placed to be competitive Kids with Disabilities for many years as the dominant colts group and many of you young stars in the junior competition come through our development system. Good luck to those clubs participating in the finals. FROM THE district manager’s desk The 4th edition of set to explode with the expansion of the Swans Footy Black & White Magazine Fundamentals Program to Caversham, Mount Helena and encompasses the busiest Pickering Brook by Term 4 following the completion of a period of program delivery successful pilot in Aveley in Term 2. The program provides for Swans District staff kids, aged 2 to 5, with an introduction to AFL whilst also in 2014 with both club developing motor skills such as catching and throwing. and school programs The Swans District Count Me In Program, which is now adopting an increasingly being delivered at Bassendean JFC, Chittering JFC and diverse flavour as the Swan View is a beacon for making AFL more accessible Swans District seeks to to kids with disabilities. The Swans District continues to transcends mainstream make a difference in the disability space with more than participation. The diverse 100 people with disabilities now engaged in AFL programs scope of Swans District programs delivered in Term across the Swans District. The Swans District is dabbling 2 is highlighted by the Bassendean JFC Count Me In in the multicultural space once more for the second Program, Chittering JFC Indigenous Pathways Program, wave of the WAFC Multicultural Transition Program at Swans Footy Fundamentals Program. Cyril Jackson Senior Campus and Coolamon Reserve. It was a proud moment for the Swans District to see Progressing in a similar vein is Chittering JFC with its our very own Development Officer, Chelsea Randall and impressive Indigenous Pathways Program, which provides Development Assistant, drafted by the students from Bindoon Catholic Agricultural College with Melbourne Demons at the 2014 AFL Womens Draft. junior community pathways at Chittering JFC. The Swans District continues to maintain its enviable presence in the sphere of female football, which has The Swans District now prepares for the conclusion of the quadrupled to 18,000 participants in programs six weeks 2014 junior and senior community season with the Swans or greater since 2012. District Gala Night, Swans District Junior Competition, Hills Football Association and WAAFL Final Series now in The Swans District’s smallest participation base is play.

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Playing Kindergarten Cop

Swans District development staff can empathise for the Cygnets with Arnold Schwarzenegger following the delivery and Ducklings, of an eight week program to some of the youngest Swans Footy footballers in the Swans District. Whilst there wasn’t Fundamentals a dumbbell in sight, staff were kept on their toes by also samples an excitable bunch of kindergartners. Swans Footy Auskick games Fundamentals is designed to introduce boys and girls, such as Farmer aged 2 to 5, to NAB AFL Auskick through a series of Sam and Rob the specialised drills and games. The program, which was Nest. Some of piloted at Aveley Junior Football Club Auskick Centre in the games include Term 2, saw more than 10 kids exposed to AFL. skills such as throwing coloured The bold new program is designed to enhance the bean bags into coloured hoops with the incentive of fundamental motor skills of kindergarteners including scoring points if bean bags make it into more than one balance and locomotor skills through sensory hoop, which prompts a healthy slice of competition. application. With kids developing motor skills at Participants also utilised other skills such as crawling different stages, Swans Footy Fundamentals provides to surpass physical obstacles through crawling under drills which are designed to suit specific age groups. or over a rainbow bridge or parachute. Swans Footy Fundamentals is divided into two different age groups namely Cygnets for kids aged 1.5 to 2 and Musical walking is one such game participants quickly Ducklings for kids aged 3 to 4. The 45 minute classes latched onto, which saw the participants walking provide participants with maximum engagement whilst around a circle of bean bags until the music stops, providing Cygnets or Ducklings with a brief entrée to which prompts them to race other participants to AFL before embarking on NAB AFL Auskick. collect a bean bag. Swans Footy Fundamentals also has a number of significant educational benefits The classes, which start at 8:30am for Cygnets and with some games engaging participants to identify 9:15am for Ducklings, coincide with the scheduling differences between colours and directions and requirements of community-based Auskick centres recognising numbers through the usage of specialised and provide parents with the opportunity to register equipment such as mats, ground markers in the shape multiple children simultaneously across Auskick of feet, hands and stars and numbered bean bags. and Swans Footy Fundamentals. Swans Footy Fundamentals classes utilise fundamental motor The success of the Swans Footy Fundamentals skills such as catching, crawling, rolling, shuffling, program at Aveley Playing Fields has paved the way standing, throwing and walking through the use of for the next wave of Auskick participants at Aveley colourful specialised equipment such as cones, bean JFC in 2015. The Swans District has now expanded bags, hoola hoops and obstacle courses. The program, its successful pilot into a second centre at Mt Helena which embraces the social interaction between child Junior Football Club. The Swans District is excited and parent allows participants to get to know AFL and about building on the success of the Aveley JFC develop their skills in a secure environment. Swans Footy Fundamentals Centre in Term 3, when the next batch of Cygnets and Ducklings swoop into Some of the games unique to Swans Footy Fundamentals Elsie Austin Oval. The Swans District is seeking to are as diverse as relays and musical walking to sing- broaden its scope beyond Aveley and Mt Helena alongs such as Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star. However, with Swans Footy Fundamentals centres set to be with potential Auskick participation on the horizon established in Caversham and Pickering Brook in Term 4. The Swans Footy Fundamentals program is the perfect way to develop an Auskick pathway at junior community clubs who might be new to the Swans District or otherwise struggling for numbers. The Swans Footy Fundamentals centres in Aveley and Pickering Brook for instance will increase Auskick participation at Aveley JFC and pave the way for the development of an Auskick Centre at Pickering Brook Football Club in 2015 to provide kids in Bickley, Carmel, Pickering Brook and Piesse Brook with a suburban connection to Auskick.

PAGE 4 SPRING 2014

Broncos SHOW Northern Promise

Muchea Arena has been brimming with excitement since the arrival of four gifted Bindoon Catholic Agricultural College students at Chittering Junior Football Club. The students, who are boarding at Bindoon Catholic Agricultural College, hail from the red dirt towns of Bidyadanga, Derby, Leonora and Roebourne. The students, Derek, Jack, Julian and Nathanial, were greeted by a swathe of high fives from the Year 9s with the mostly Anglo-Saxon player group benefiting from the positive cultural exchange with the Indigenous students. Broncos President, Ian Hall said the Year 9 player group, was ecstatic when the players started coming down to Muchea Arena. “The players welcomed the new kids with open arms, including them in drills and set-plays, despite coming into the side during the second half of the season,” said Hall. The Chittering which only existed if behaviour was good at school and JFC Indigenous Pathways Program, which is the complied with the Bronco’s players code of conduct,” brainchild of Hall, started as a ploy to attract more said Hall. Indigenous players to Chittering JFC. The new Broncos grabbed the opportunity with both Chittering JFC, which was the first junior club to hands, champing at the bit to play junior football under scratch the surface on gold level accreditation in the lights at Muchea Arena. Hall has no plans of stopping Swans District, devised a plan in 2013 with Bindoon there with Chittering JFC seeking to expand its Catholic Agricultural College to broaden their player partnership with Bindoon Catholic Agricultural College in recruitment pool for youth community players. The Term 4 with the support of the Swans District to attract stars started to align following a chance meeting more students to the Broncos in 2015 and subsequently between Hall and Bindoon Catholic Agricultural develop a Year 7s, 8s, 9s and 10s in the process. Hall College Teacher Eugene Evans, who shared Hall’s said Chittering JFC will seek support from the Shire of vision for developing pathways for Indigenous Chittering to promote Kids Sport to the students during students to junior community football. Term 4 to increase youth community registrations in Hall said Evans was quick to come aboard due to his 2015. “The program might end up seeing a couple of passion for AFL. “The staff had mostly basketball players register with the Broncos in 2015 or we might backgrounds, but Eugene loves his AFL and also end up seeing 40,” said Hall. coaches the Bindoon Catholic Agricultural College Whilst Chittering JFC is doing great things in the Shire of side,” said Hall. However, due to the distance Chittering, it needs plenty of support from the broader between Bindoon Catholic Agricultural College community to ensure the sustainability of the Chittering and other secondary schools in the Swans District, JFC Indigenous Pathways Program. Chittering JFC students are limited to playing the same school on in consultation with the Swans District is seeking a weekly basis in Moora. “The school has 150 boys logistical support from the Shire of Chittering in 2015 who are missing out on junior football, so Eugene to keep providing Bindoon Catholic Agricultural College and I developed a pathway for the students to play students with the opportunity to become Broncos junior football down at Muchea,” said Hall. players. Hall said due to the challenges associated with The kindred spirits didn’t take long to pave the way for distance it’s difficult to attract youth community players the group of students to play junior community football to Muchea Arena. “Some people are driving more with Derek, Jack, Julian and Nathaniel becoming than 45 minutes to play for the Broncos, whilst some Broncos players by Round 9. The new Broncos were people could be driving more than 120 minutes to play provided with the chance to don the blue and white a match in Bassendean,” said Hall. However, Chittering strip a due to their exemplary participation at school JFC’s blossoming partnership with Bindoon Catholic and mature behaviour shown to both Chittering JFC Agricultural College is seen as a key piece in surpassing and Bindoon Catholic Agricultural College staff. Hall such roadblocks to boost the number of Indigenous said the behaviour of the students dictated whether players at Chittering JFC and subsequently increase they could play at the Broncos. “We spoke to the junior community participation in the Shire of Chittering. boys about the junior club pathway at Chittering JFC,

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Casting a Net in Ellenbrook The Swans District are scratching the surface on a bold new campaign to capture the next Lin Jong in the densely multicultural suburb of Ellenbrook. The Swans District is putting WAFL colours aside by partnering with the Royals District to lure people of culturally and linguistically diverse (CaLD) backgrounds to AFL. The West Australian Football Commission backed program is being delivered by Royals and Swans District staff at Coolamon Reserve, which is situated at the multicultural heart of Ellenbrook. The intrepid new program sources drills from soccer to provide the hook to educate become a conduit between CaLD of Multicultural Interests (DOMI) multicultural people about our great communities and junior community to develop more opportunities for game and the pathways which clubs such as Aveley JFC. Despite kids in Aveley to play in the Swans exist in the Swans District Junior the intrinsic benefits to migrant District Junior Competition and Competition, WAFL and AFL. communities such as association, potentially walk the trail blazed by socialising and linguistics skills, Rookie Lin Jong, The Swans District hopes the Swans District staff also see who is of Taiwanese descent. The WAFC Multicultural Transition significant benefits in health and suburbs of Aveley and Ellenbrook Program, which broke ice in early education. are populated by a number of August, will see increased Auskick diverse cultures including African, The program provides kids aged 5 registrations at Aveley Junior Chinese and Indian. The Swans to 17 with the chance to develop Football Club in 2014 and develop District is subsequently working the skills of AFL including handball, a junior community pathway in with Aveley JFC to shift the rookie kicking and marking from a swathe 2015. The program, which was junior community club to gold level of specialist coaches with the delivered by Royals and Swans status in the Swisse AFL Quality opportunity to put their newly found District staff in combination with Club Program. WAFC Community Engagement skills into practice in a series of AFL Officer, Reuben Riak, seeks to 9s matches. The program, is also Securing gold level status in the designed to improve and monitor Swisse AFL Quality Club Program strength, speed and physical fitness will guide Aveley JFC in developing through a number of different an inclusive environment to net testing mechanisms. The program more players of CaLD backgrounds. is based on the Bakari Royals The Swans District hopes to delve model, which was successfully further into CaLD communities by pioneered by the Royals District seeking opportunities surrounding in 2012. The Swans District hopes Chinese New Year and Deepavali to see the program subsequently to support Aveley JFC’s quest materialise into a squad prior to to become a club of choice for making the participants official CaLD communities. The WAFC members of Aveley JFC. The Multicultural Transition Program Swans District is excited by is the second leg in the Swans the potential the Royals District District’s CaLD program which partnership could bring in relation started back in 2012 with the to the development of sustainable Intensive English Course (IEC) junior community pathways for kids Freo House Footy program at Cyril of CaLD backgrounds. Jackson Senior Campus. Should you need more details about the WAFC With the WAFC Multicultural Multicultural Transition Program, Transition Program concluding in please visit MulticulturalFootballWA September, the Swans District on Instagram, @WAFCDiversity on is looking forward to progressing Twitter or www.wafootball.com.au discussions with the Department

PAGE 6 SPRING 2014 Young Trainee Travels to Broome Explaining to the girls that hard work, dedication and commitment rather than handouts really does pay off in the end. This was the key message I wanted to get across to the girls.

Hills Spring into AFL 9s As a part of my role at V Swans I was given the opportunity This coming spring, the Swans District Football to travel to Broome to be involved in the 2014 Smarter Than Development Council (SDFDC) will be catapulting Smoking Football Carnival that was held in Derby on the AFL 9s into the limelight. This new venture in the 9th of April. This is an annual event with teams competing Shire of Mundaring will open the door for Junior and from all over the Kimberley, including some local and very Senior players from the surrounding competitions remote community’s. It was honours to have the Broome within the Swans District, including the Hills Football Girls Academy (BGA) ask me to coach the girls on the day Association and Hills Junior Football Association to of the carnival. The talent and skill amongst these young participate in a social off-season competition. The girls was incredible to watch, especially knowing that possibilities are endless for the Hills AFL 9s concept half of them had never played the sport before. Working and will be kicked off under the bright lights of Harry with the West Kimberley Football League and Garnduwa Riseborough Oval starting during October. Aboriginal Sporting Organisation, I was able to take the Swans District in consultation with Hills AFL 9s BGA girls through a few training sessions in the lead up Program Coordinator, Stewart Luxton, will unearth a to the carnival. There was an amazing turn out with 32 Junior and Senior Competition that will run over 6 and Indigenous girls showing interest but unfortunately we 10 weeks respectively. The concept will allow those were only able to take 18 into the carnival. in the off-season to refine skills in preparation for The games were played in two twelve minute halves in the next season while also keeping fit and active in a round robin format which allowed each team to play a revised format while also welcoming a new market against every other side who participated on the day. The to the sport that may not have previously played. BGA girls finished in second place, losing by a goal to AFL 9s constitutes three distinct zones broken down their rivalry opponents Saint Marys. The girls played some into a forward, midfield and defensive zone with really good football and the teamwork was fantastic, I three players per zone accordingly. The revolutionary recognised few stand-outs that showed strong leadership game style, removes the art of tackling to instead skills amongst the group. I was overwhelmed by some place the focus on skills and running, two invaluable of the girl’s skills and their attitudes towards the sport components of the modern game. The shortened yet and that’s what I loved to see. Being a young indigenous rectangular-shaped playing field permeates a social girl who started playing football in school carnivals, there participation aspect that our great game as never is definitely a lot of potential from a few of the standout seen before. participants that could go far with football with the right Mt Helena JFC President, Stewart Luxton, was training, direction and attitude. astounded by the unparalleled benefits he found After the carnival and spending a few days in the Broome playing in the summer competition at Swan Athletic Girls Academy, I had a lot of the younger Indigenous AFL 9s earlier this year. The ability to play in a mixed girls show interest in my football pathways. After giving competition with friends whilst still being able to a presentation on myself which included topics on my encapsulate all the fun involved in playing one night upbringing, my personal life, how I got into football, my a week, meant Luxton was champing at the bit to achievements and what I do now, I had a girl ask how old establish an AFL 9s centre in the heart of Mundaring. I was. When I had replied that I was only seventeen, her This year, the Hills AFL 9s program will aim to entice response was “wait, so your 17 and have achieved all of a new market to the revised format as the sun that?” With the look on her face she couldn’t believe that comes out later in the year. Catered to any skill or I had achieved all this is such little time. fitness level, AFL 9s is the perfect way to get back I kept telling the girls to never limit their abilities and into playing a fun, social and active sport that brings anything is possible if you work hard for it. As an ex all the fantastic elements about our great game. student of the Newton Moore Girls Academy and Role With games played in a condensed time frame to Models Leaders Australia, this was my way in giving accommodate everyone, the Hills AFL 9s program is back. Professionally I also gained some great experience, sure to be burgeoning with interest come this spring. coaching a team for the first time independently, traveling on my own, giving a presentation and time management.

PAGE 7 BLACK & WHITE Smashing the Glass Ceiling Chelsea Randall After growing up in the surroundings of Rockingham, Chelsea Randall has gone to reach some phenomenal heights in being a pioneer for Women’s football in not only but also across the country. The WA Female Football Ambassador has come from humble beginnings. As a sports-loving kid growing up in Australia, she would often kick the football at half time with her Dad whilst watching her older brother revel in Australia’s great game. After being short players one day, the U/11s coach of the Safety Bay Stingers asked Chelsea to play, she immediately jumped at the chance to get involved and upon laying a strong after the first bounce and winning a free kick, Randall’s love for the game has become her livelihood. Randall has become a key trailblazer for Women’s football. After 12 years since her first experience of playing football, 2013 saw the inaugural AFL Female National Draft. With the Melbourne and Western Bulldogs Football Club forming the exhibition match to showcase the talents of Women’s football which was played at the mecca of football, the MCG. Taken at pick 3 to the , Randall joined 49 talented women, who together, highlighted the development of Womens football across the nation. After her starring role in the inaugural match, Randall was retained by the Melbourne FC along with half of the original draftees to their respective clubs. A second football in Australia and WA especially will be geared National Draft was held to create further opportunities to towards the planned introduction of the AFL Women’s those talented women who missed out on the original National League, proposed by 2020. Next year will be Draft. WA produced 15 draftees and Swan Districts FC the 100th anniversary since a female football match producing 5 alone, catapulting the Western Australian was played in WA and with so many bright futures in Women’s Football League (WAWFL) to a national stage. the sport, the pathway that has been created by key Recently, on Sunday 29th of June over 5,500 supporters influences like Chelsea will hope to bring a professional of Women’s football took their seats at Etihad Stadium element never seen before to Womens football in the to witness the second historic AFL Women’s Exhibition near future. match. A tribute to the 169, 000 women who currently ply their footballing trade across the nation, the female football pathway has never been as strong. The Kellie Gibson emotional loss of her grandmother, Rose, in the lead up, Born and bred from the locality of Ellenbrook, Kellie led to Randall’s best on ground performance, watched Gibson has fallen into her footballing career after initially by over 3,500 people live across the nation on Pay TV. starting out to stay fit for the Little Athletics season. An In what is considered much more than just a game to the outstanding junior athlete, Gibson was spotted playing future of female football, the contest typified everything in a primary school carnival and was initially approached football is about. Fierce, hard and exciting, the match by the U/10s Coach of the Ellenbrook Dockers. Her showcased the voluptuous amounts of raw talent on rise to the National AFL Women’s Draft has highlighted display. Randall, exemplified the ferocious contest by the pathway that Women’s football now has and will her high flying marking and strong attack on the ball. be furthered strengthened by the planned future of With 23 disposals, 14 marks and 2 goals, her influence Women’s football in Australia. on the resultant 46 point win was unparalleled. In playing with the boys at Ellenbrook, her parents Never an easy road to make it to the elite of any sport, were initially sceptical about jeopardising her possible Randall’s drive to continue the growth for Women’s athletics career, but after being persuaded by the U/10s

PAGE 8 SPRING 2014 Smashing the Glass Ceiling last year as Gibson was named best on ground in Grand Final loss to Victoria. In 2014, WA overcame Victoria for the first time in the Youth Girl Championships, a personal highlight for Gibson. 2013 was an exciting time for Gibson, her drafting to the Western Bulldog’s Football Club at pick no.48 was a moment her family and herself would never forget and being able to play with 49 of the best female players in the country at the mecca of football, the MCG, is something that Kellie will cherish for many years to come. The National AFL Women’s Draft Exhibition game put Gibson on the national stage and her outstanding season culminated with her being named best on ground for the Swan Districts Women’s League side in their courageous victory over the Coastal Titans, in an epic win for all involved. The Swans District Junior Development Assistant, was unfortunately delisted by the Western Bulldog’s. Not to be discouraged, she re-applied and was duly picked by the Melbourne Demons at pick no. 5. Gibson was to join her teammate and work mate, Swans District Development Officer, Chelsea Randall. Played under the bright lights of Etihad Stadium, Gibson, 18, has now been catapulted into being a future poster girl for the growth of Women’s football. Her strong game consisted of two outstanding running goals in the first quarter set up a resounding 46 point win to the Melbourne side. With the growth of the game undeniable, Kellie Gibson will be leading the charge as she pioneers the future coach, Gibson carved out a fruitful 4 years with the development of the game for many years to come Dockers. After earning a Runner up Best & Fairest and across the country. Best & Fairest in the in successive years from 2008, the agile right-footer reached her 50 games while also playing a key role in a premiership win in her last year at the club. Upon completing another strong season of Athletics, Kellie was subsequently thrilled by the possible opportunity to continue her footballing career with the Swan Districts Women’s Football Club as a part of the Western Australia Women’s Football League (WAWFL). After a strong debut in Round 3 in 2010 against Peel, Gibson immediately settled into life as strong player for the Reserves side, winning the Best & Fairest for the Reserves in her inaugural year at the Club. Her footballing talents continued to be recognised, representing the Western Australian Youth Girls U/18s in consecutive years from 2010-2014, with All Australian honours in 2011 and 2014, her talent was also recognised

PAGE 9 BLACK & WHITE Mighty Ducks Come of Age Steel Blue House in partnership with Swan Districts Football Club (SDFC) is putting a roof over some of the brightest sparks in the WAFL including Nelson Ansey from La Salle Junior Football Club and Sean Fletcher from Midvale Junior Football Club. The budding Swans players are coming into their own with both expected to come into league calculations before the 2015 WAFL Premiership Season. Steel Blue House shelters six Colts, Reserve and League players from regions as diverse as Bunbury and the Pilbara. The privilege to stay at Steel Blue House is dependent on compliance with the SDFC’s must work policy which is geared towards permanent employment. depression,” said Anderson. The six players are building a bright future both on and off the field, working on the redevelopment of Bassendean Whilst Steel Blue House seems destined to produce Shopping Centre whilst still managing to squeeze in a number of success stories in the mould of teenage additional recovery, skills and weights sessions to prodigies Ansey and Fletcher, Adelaide Crows newcomer, keep in league calculations. The discipline which has Charlie Cameron is undoubtedly the shining light in this subsequently developed amongst the six players has successful enterprise. With Cameron paving the way for undoubtedly permeated across Swans, which has been the next batch of Swans players, it’s now up to dedicated a defining factor in Swans domination of WAFL Colts in staff like SDFC Operations Manager, Rick Anderson and 2014. But, the benefits stemming from Steel Blue House SDFC Player Development Officer, Steve Thomson to aren’t limited to match-day performance with the players keep providing support to players like Ansey and Fletcher developing a stronger bond due to being in such close to give them the best possible chance of replicating proximity on a daily basis. Cameron’s promotion to the AFL through the 2014 National Draft or Rookie Draft. SDFC Operations Manager, Rick Anderson said the players, work, eat and sleep at the same time, which has The success of Steel Blue House is testament to the promoted a sense of brotherhood, discipline and self- support of SDFC principal partner, Steel Blue, SDFC esteem. “The boys are commuting to work together and Football Department and the dedication of the SDFC socialising at home together, which is keeping them out players to both career and sporting pursuits. Anderson of trouble,” said Anderson. Anderson said that the six detailed how rewarding it is to see players succeed and Swans players have generated a positive environment and watch them progress to the next phase of their football support network, which has improved their mental health career. “Whilst we have experienced success in getting and state of mind. “The Bunbury and Pilbara boys have boys drafted, we want to keep producing quality young developed good friendships and broader connections men and good citizens to enhance their career, education at Swans, which has diminished homesickness and and sporting prospects,” said Anderson. SDFDC out & About

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Swans Paint It Black and White Swan Districts Football Club’s Colts have undergone a remarkable transformation going from rags to riches this year. After coming off a disappointing 2013, the Colts have had an unprecedented run of form this year sitting atop of the WAFL Colts ladder after registering 13 wins from their first 14 games. Coach, Trent Cooper, in his inaugural season as Colts coach is leading his side into its biggest challenges in the in the coming finals campaign. After the disappointment of the last couple of campaigns, the Colts brought a new attitude and Defensive line coach, Andrew full of tough yet exciting challenges willingness to learn and improve Harman has provided the Colts for the Colts. They are yet to take under the tutelage of Cooper. The defenders with a stack of confidence on full strength South Fremantle need to fast track the development to ultimately understand what their and Claremont outfits with their vast of many players was seen early in roles are week in week out. As amount of State players (each had the piece with 8 talented young men Cooper states, “Teamwork is often more than 8 in the State 18’s squad) completing the League pre-season, preached to the players but having returning to the fold as the season with their immediate benefits seen coaches live the message in a nears crunch time. Along with these when they joined the main Colts cohesive coaching group, makes challenges, the Swan Districts FC group back in February and March. my job easier and gives the players Colts will now become the hunted After tackling a strong pre-season clear direction”. The Colts are in the closing rounds after their rapid head on, increased expectations complemented by the work of Swan rise to the top of the ladder. in the Colts were laid and after a Districts FC’s Player Development In closing, Cooper reflects on the Round 1 bye, the Colts rattled of Officer, Steve Thomson and Colts season that has been so far “We 8 consecutive wins to start the Manager, Rick Anderson, who both are immensely proud of what the season in outstanding nick. This new go above and beyond their call of boys have achieved on the field but found belief was instilled early to duty to help the players and coaches equally happy with how they are the playing group and the constant in every facet conducting themselves off it. With preaching that team performance the help of the Club, many have over individual glory was a key With League coach, Greg Harding, taking a keen interest on the obtained meaningful employment message. The current crop of home- and are setting themselves up for development of the younger players, grown players have provided some their adult lives. “ phenomenal results over their Cooper further explains, “Greg’s season so far and everyone is looking interest in the Colts group has With the Club aiming to have a forward to the possibilities that come allowed many players the opportunity number of talented stars debuting in with their well-earned position at the to play senior football this year, his the League team in the coming years, top of the ladder. With spots on the clear direction and feedback has led echoing the mantra of developing line every week, players have been to two Colts-aged players in Connor from within ethos. Swans District forced to continually play to their Blakely and Aidan Anderson become would like to congratulate the Colts potential to hold their valued spots League regulars while Jason Daniels on their season on and off the field as the season progressed, a sign of a has also made his debut. A further so far and wish them good luck in great team going forward 6 players have played Reserves their quest for premiership glory in September. With line coaches James Parsons football this year, an outstanding (Midfield) and Russel Wholagan development from the group”. (Forwards) again at the helm, new The latter part of the season will be

Check out Swans website: www.swandistrictsfc.com.au/

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New Hope for Caversham IN a sign of the growth of AFL in the Swans District, Caversham is scaling new heights to produce some outstanding results in recent Swans District programs. With the urban sprawl of Caversham continuing to bring a variety of demographics into the area, Caversham is quickly becoming a living and breathing football community. Building on programs delivered by Swans District and Progress Developments in 2013, including Eagles Faction Footy and a School- the future expansion of the Swans includes a secondary primary school Based Auskick Centre. Caversham District Junior Competition. in the area next to the fields which would provide a steady stream of Primary has flourished with the The City of Swan has recently players to Caversham JFC. An exciting demand for the game as strong as it’s proposed the development of new development at the gateway to ever been. In partnership with Principal Caversham Playing Fields as a multi- the Swan Valley, Caversham Playing Partner, Progress Developments, in sport complex for the surrounding Fields will provide a fresh opportunity 2014 Swans District has led a suite area. To be green lit by 2016, it with Caversham JFC to build a strong of programs aimed at increasing could be the potential base for the community atmosphere cradled in exposure to Australia’s greatest Caversham Junior Football Club. The AFL. Swans District, in partnership game. Emphasising the principles Caversham JFC would be a welcome with Progress Developments, aim to of enjoyment and participation with addition to the community and Junior continue growing our great game in a dash of skill development, 2014 is Competition, with the suburb mirroring the Caversham community with the bursting at the seams with Swans the expansion of AFL programs at future possessing unlimited potential District programs. Aveley Playing Fields with the Aveley as the future holds no bars for this JFC Auskick Centre. The proposal These six week programs feature, burgeoning area. Eagles Faction Footy, a School Based Auskick Centre plus the delivery of a bold new pilot Kindergarten program called Swans Footy Fundamentals. Caversham PS will be the new starting point for every new pre-schooler to get involved in AFL whilst improving cognitive skills in an enjoyable program. 2014 also signalled the formation of the Caversham Primary School Eagles Cup team, a team comprised of Years 6-7 boys who play against local schools on a Friday afternoon. The development of this team was due to the vision of District Manager, Isaac Stewart and with the work of Development Officer, Chelsea Randall and Development Assistant, Daniel Curtis, in 2013, which has exponentially increased exposure in the across the surrounding community. As the suburb of Caversham continues to prosper so does the increased possibility in connecting to a Swans District Junior Football Club. With no current side based in Caversham at this stage, the need to broaden the game in this suburb is paramount to

PAGE 12 SPRING 2014 New Tigerland Roars at Kostera

Kalamunda Tigers JFC are salivating over the prospect of a new den in the Shire of Kalamunda. Kostera Oval, which is home to Kalamunda JFC and a swathe of user groups including the Kalamunda Cricket Club and Kalamunda Senior High School is set to go under the knife in preparation for the 2016 Swans District Junior Competition. The Kostera Oval Re-Development, which is being steered by Kalamunda JFC Vice-President Paul Curtis in consultation with Swans District, has been in discussion since 2003. Curtis has been part of the inner sanctum of Kalamunda CC and Kalamunda JFC since 2002, with his successful tenure at the club set to peak in 2016 with the expansion of Kostera Oval. The work done behind the scenes with both sporting codes has seen Curtis utilise his extensive experience and knowledge in Kalamunda JFC’s campaign to revamp the dilapidated playing surface at Kostera Oval. Kostera Oval has a number of significant deficiencies including the possession of a sole playing surface catering to more than 600 Kalamunda CC and Kalamunda JFC players. Kostera Oval has been plagued by issues such as poor drainage and saturation of the centre square, which subsequently rendered the wicket untenable in the initial stages of the 2014 season. Curtis states that the community has no choice but to re-develop Kostera Oval. “Kostera requires the necessary changes to continue growing the different sporting codes in the Shire of Kalamunda,” said Curtis. Kalamunda CC, Kalamunda JFC, Kalamunda SHS and Swans District have been instrumental in securing monetary support via the Kostera Oval Steering Committee including $1m from the Barnett State Government and an undisclosed contribution by the Shire of Kalamunda. Kostera Oval will become a mecca for sport and recreation in the Shire of Kalamunda, with the Shire of Kalamunda Kalamunda JFC. The striking blueprint for Kostera Oval is now expected to start turning dirt in the first quarter of underscored by the extension of Kostera Oval to a senior 2015, which will welcome a new streak of tigers to community playing ground coupled with the development of two playing grounds compliant with AFL minimum standards for junior community football. The new playing ground symbolizes the dazzling potential of Kalamunda JFC with 675 players expected to become tigers prior to the dawning of the 2021 Swans District Junior Competition. The burgeoning status of Kalamunda will be amplified by its capacity to schedule junior, youth and senior community matches, whilst simultaneously compering AFL 9s Competitions and Swans District Community Camps. The new multi-purpose facilities will also provide Kalamunda CC with a separate wicket to enhance the development of cricketers in the Shire of Kalamunda, with the added incentive of new clubrooms. Whilst the Swans District is emboldened by the development of state-of-the-art Kostera Oval in the Shire of Kalamunda, Mt Helena Lions Football Club are also waiting with baited breath for the completion of a new den at Elsie Austin Oval. Mt Helena FC secured $150K in monetary support from the Barnett State Government in 2012 coupled with a $380K allocation by the Shire of Mundaring. The Elsie Austin Oval Re-Development is scheduled for completion in 2016,

PAGE 13 BLACK & WHITE

Creating Chances for Kids with Disabilities

Clubs and schools alike creating chances for kids with disabilities to participate in AFL through the development of a series of innovative skill development programs designed to provide participants with a basic introduction to handball, kicking and marking skills, whilst providing a pathway to junior and senior club participation. Jacob Lemirez, is one such participant living with a disability, who has now become a fully- fledged footballer in the Bassendean JFC Year 8s. Positive outcomes such as these are resultant of the passion and vision of Bassendean JFC, Swans District and the delivery of programs such as the Bassendean JFC Count Me In Program. 2015 with the participants from the Count Me In Auskick Program graduating to the mainstream Chittering JFC Town of Bassendean Inclusion Officer, Chris Barty Auskick Centre, Year 3s or 4s. The program, which was was thrilled by the positive outcomes which stemmed developed by Nairn, will continue to be a beacon for kids from the program. “Bassendean JFC’s attitude looking to play AFL despite the obstacles presented to towards inclusion of people with a disability was first them. class and sets and excellent example for the rest of the community to follow,” said Barty. Bassendean Hall said the first phase of the program was a JFC President, Gary Lovelock is one of a number of monumental success for Chittering JFC with 14 advocates who are providing pathways to kids with registrations in 2013. “It was clear the community disabilities, with his program a stepping stone for the needed these kinds of opportunities for kids who have next wave of participation. The Chittering JFC Count previously not participated in junior football,” said Hall. Me In Program, now in its second season is connecting The sudden influx of new participants, exposed an kids such as Wyatt Nairn to the cultural and social opportunity for Chittering JFC to seek a solution to a benefits associated with becoming a member of a junior previously identified disabled access issue at Muchea football club including keeping healthy and developing Arena. Chittering JFC sought support from the Shire of friendships. The inclusive environment at Chittering JFC has been built and enhanced by inclusion advocates such as Secretary, Alan Nairn, President, Ian Hall and Auskick Coordinator, Paul Eddy to name a few. The program, which is proudly supported by the Shire of Chittering has seen a steady growth in participation and engagement in the mainstream Auskick pathway at Chittering JFC. The Swans District expects to see the program bear fruit in

PAGE 14 SPRING 2014

Creating Chances for Kids with Disabilities

Chittering and successfully secured a grant to develop a disabled access ramp in the 2013/14 Budget. “The Shire of Chittering was extremely helpful with the project and it has been fantastic to see the disabled access ramp in place,” said Hall. Its people like Eddy, Hall and Nairn which personify the heart of a volunteer with their passion for kids with disabilities a shining light for the Swans District. Swan View JFC Auskick Coordinator, Ashley Dickson is another beacon for inclusion in the Swans District. Dickson was keen as mustard when approached to replicate the groundbreaking Chittering JFC model at Swan View JFC in 2014. Dickson, who is also driving the Swan View JFC Junior Girls, exemplifies what makes this game so unique with his understanding of the bigger picture an expanded product to provide a similar service helping to increase participation and promote social to Education Support Centres across the 9 WAFC responsibility amongst junior community football clubs. districts. Despite the intrinsic benefits to students such But, the inclusion program which started it all was the as health and self-esteem, perhaps the most tangible St Leonards Count Me In Program. The program, which benefit has been an increase in senior community is proudly sponsored by Progress Developments, participation at High Wycombe Football Club through continues to support inclusive pathways for kids with the West Australian Amateur Football League (WAAFL) disabilities in Caversham and the broader Swan Valley. Integrated Football Program. The Swans District has become the undisputed leader High Wycombe FC, which was one of the original in the inclusion space with seven programs now being WAAFL clubs to scratch the surface on the inclusion delivered simultaneously across clubs and schools. space, is seeking to build on the success it has But, none of this could have been possible without the experienced in the past couple of seasons. SDFDC support of the Disability Services Commission (DSC), Senior Community Delegate and High Wycombe FC which has been instrumental in the development of Coach, Brett Hockley has redefined the focus of the the sudden upsurge in inclusion programs. The Swans Swans District since 2010 through his vision for people District and DSC identified a demand for respite with disabilities. Hockley has worked closely with the opportunities which wasn’t being met for kids aged 5 Swans District to not only deliver WAAFL promotional to 12. This prompted the crafting of the St Leonards clinics at Peter Anderton Respite Centre, Cyril Jackson Count Me In Program in 2012. Whilst such programs Senior Campus and Kalamunda SHS, but also carpool such as this are successfully catering to this market, players to High Wycombe FC Integrated Football the Swans District is seeking to fill another gap in Program matches. In light of the recent changes in supply for kids aged 13 to 17. disability services provision, the Swans District sees massive scope for the provision of AFL programs to Kalamunda SHS became the first cab off the rank for encourage people living with a disability to connect the delivery of an Education Support Program utilizing with their local junior or senior club. the Freo House Footy model with 40 kids, aged 13 to 16, participating in skill drills and modified games. Thanks to the successful delivery of the Kalamunda SHS Education Support Program, the Swans District is now planning to work with the WAFC to develop

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