The Kicking Goals program is a unique partnership between the West Coast Eagles, BHP Billiton Iron Ore and the Swan Districts Football Club that uses sports-based initiatives to help Pilbara communities achieve better educational and employment outcomes.
Specifically targeting Newman and Hedland Senior High Schools, students from years 8, 9 and 10, are taught the value of education and community work throughout the school year in a variety of workshops and teaching situations with their football heroes.
The program uses role models such as Selwood and Houlihan as well as the country’s favourite sport of football to deliver positive educational and community messages.
As a supplement to the Hedland trip, Selwood and West Coast Eagles Schools and Community
Program Co-ordinator Kim Hannah, attended the Pilbara Family Violence Prevention workshop with the Tjaka Boorda (the Three Mile) Community.
Selwood was excited to have had the opportunity to make the trip up to Hedland and share his experiences with the students of Hedland Senior High School.
“Being able to share your own story with these kids and pass on some really important messages that might be able to help them out is great,” said Selwood.
At Newman Senior High School, Houlihan worked alongside West Coast Eagles Schools and Community Program Co-ordinator David Hynes to deliver a series of skill based clinics as well as speak to various Kicking Goals students, giving career advice and reinforcing the importance of goal setting.
Houlihan said making the trip up to Newman to work with the Pilbara students was something he always looked forward to.
“Being from the country myself it’s great to get up to Newman and work with kids that don’t always get these opportunities,” said Houlihan.
The Kicking Goals program focuses on improving life skills, school attendance, academic achievement and the health and well-being of young children in the Pilbara region.
The program involves coaching clinics, videoconference sessions, email and telephone exchanges between players and students and various other activities throughout the year.
