After debuting the program in the South West last year, Eagles Community and Game Development staff looked to build on its success in 2025 and offer the opportunity to metro-based participants.

The Connecting Generations program, which sees upper-high school students connect with participants aged 55-and-over, received overwhelmingly positive feedback with the intergenerational program being the first of its kind for the Club.

The five sessions held at Warwick Stadium, saw participants and SEDA College WA students begin with a ‘walk-and-talk’ to get to know one another, before moving into some football skills drills and then eventually a light-hearted game of walking football.

Connections grew stronger each week, with students helping to create a welcoming and inclusive environment where older participants could enjoy footy, regardless of their previous experience or ability.

It sounds funny but I only have girls, so talking to some of these young male students was really lovely and they helped get me involved and build my confidence over the program because I really didn’t think I’d be able to do it.

- Nerise, participant

Eagles Secondary Schools Manager Hannah Ashe was thrilled with the program’s Perth-based launch and the strong connections built over the five weeks.

“When we were looking to get the program started we were a bit worried about interest given it launched successfully down in Bunbury where there is a real different community aspect and a close-knit community,” Ashe said.

“As we went across the weeks it was really gratifying to see that the number of participants had really grown to the point where they were outnumbering our students as they were bringing along friends and having such a great time.

“You could really see how comfortable the students and participants became with one another and they genuinely wanted to chat with each other. Adding in the football aspect when they were able to play walking footy and be on the same team together just really helped build those relationships and make those connections a lot stronger.”

The starting group of over-55 participants originated from the Better Balance class, a cardio and strength class that focuses on improving and maintaining lower body balance and strength in a safe and fun environment.

Instructor Lesley Gleeson praised the impact of the program and highlighted how she was able to show participants their own improvement through recordings from the first to the final session.

“I found out that when they saw how good they actually moved, they were proud and blown away as to what they could do,” she said.

“Whilst they were playing, they would have had zero thought as to how they were moving, they just wanted that ball. Watching it back they could see their improvement.”

SEDA College WA Teacher Stacey Barr also highlighted the impact the program had on the students in fostering positive social connections and building on their confidence.

“From a teacher’s perspective it’s really nice to see the students outside the classroom having genuine conversations with the older participants. There seemed to always be smiles on both the participants and the students’ faces so I think it’s been a great program for both of them,” Barr said.

“I think week one everyone was a bit uncertain and unsure thinking, ‘Is this for me?’, but to see the way these bonds have formed since then has been pretty special.”

“I was looking forward to it every week. I didn’t know what to expect at first but it’s just been great fun and learnt a lot of new skills. You never felt embarrassed if your kick went wonky or anything like that, the students were really encouraging and I look forward to the program coming back again in the future.”

- Bev, participant

The West Coast Eagles Connecting Generations program has been widely successful in both Perth and the South West, with the program set to continue and grow in 2026.