The West Coast Eagles and Hawaiian have extended their Eagles Rock My School program into junior sporting clubs, creating new pathways for students to continue their football journey beyond the school gate.

For 22 years, Eagles Rock My School has delivered engaging and educational experiences to primary school students across Western Australia, using the power of football to promote positive friendships, wellbeing, respect and personal growth.

The program impacts tens of thousands of young West Australians each year, helping students build confidence and develop important life skills through interactive school visits and football activities.

Last week, the program took a different step with the trial of a community football extension that directly links participating schools with local junior football clubs.

As part of the extension, kids from six junior football clubs located near Hawaiian shopping centres took part in special training clinics delivered by West Coast Eagles AFL players. The clinics provided young footballers with the opportunity to learn from elite athletes, improve their skills and experience the excitement of being part of the Eagles community.

Eagles Rock My School Ambassador Brady Hough was joined by West Coast Eagles players Jack Williams, Fin Macrae and Harry Barnett at Claremont Junior Football Club, near Hawaiian’s Claremont Quarter.

Claremont Junior Football Club (CJFC) President James Baker was complimentary to the West Coast Eagles players and Hawaiian for their support of key community programs.

“CJFC was extremely lucky to have five current West Coast Eagles players join one of our Wednesday training sessions,” Baker said.

“From the minute they arrived, the players were completely engaged, working through drills with every age group, from our year fours right through to our year 11 and 12 girls. 

“The players took part in a signing session and photos as the kids streamed through, which was amazing to watch.  I’m not sure how many footy boots Milan actually signed.

“The smiles and admiration on our kids’ faces said it all. Being able to kick the footy with a current AFL player, even for a short session, ignites our kids with their own ‘what if’ in their footy dreams.  

“Sessions like this show exactly why there needs to be the support of multiple stakeholders in supporting junior clubs and CJFC cannot thank the West Coast Eagles and Hawaiian enough in providing our club an unforgettable afternoon of training for our kids.”

Other clubs to take part include Bassendean JFC neighbouring Hawaiian’s Bassendean, Mt Hawthorn JFC neighbouring Hawaiian’s Mezz, Noranda JFC neighbouring Hawaiian’s Noranda, Vic Park Raiders JFC neighbouring Hawaiian’s Park Centre and Warwick JFC neighbouring Hawaiian’s Newpark.

The Eagles Rock My School extension offered an opportunity to help extend the impact of the program beyond the school gate and into the community.

The clinics further provided junior clubs with an opportunity to showcase the positive environments they offer, highlighting the role community sport can play in building friendships, confidence and lifelong connections - all themes of the Eagles Rock My School program.

By bringing together schools, families, junior clubs and West Coast Eagles players, the extended Eagles Rock My School program creates a stronger sporting ecosystem that supports participation at every stage. It reinforces the belief that football is for everyone and that every child, regardless of their background or experience, deserves the opportunity to feel included, connected and inspired.

West Coast Eagles Senior Education Manager Mel Toia said the Eagles Rock My School program continues to create meaningful opportunities for young people both on and off the field.

“Eagles Rock My School has always been about more than football,” Toia said.

“It is about using the game as a vehicle to reinforce positive messages around community connection, healthy lifestyles and teamwork in a way that resonates with young people.

“Just as importantly, it is about creating fun, inclusive experiences where every child feels welcome, valued and excited to get involved.

 “When students can see a place for themselves in football, we are helping build stronger clubs, healthier communities and a lifelong sense of belonging.”

Through the continued support of Hawaiian, Eagles Rock My School continues to be a program making a lasting impact across Western Australia, helping more young people discover the benefits of community sport and the power of belonging.