The West Coasts Eagles’ Indigenous Leadership Program concluded yesterday, which saw 24 indigenous players from all nine WAFL clubs participate in a variety of sessions covering subjects such as nutrition, leadership, fitness and goal-setting.
The boys were also given the opportunity to show their skills in front of West Coast Eagles players Brad Ebert and Scott Selwood at a training session on Subiaco Oval conducted by West Coast football staff and development coach Gavin Bell.
Held over two weeks, the boys were given an insight into what it means to be an indigenous footballer with the help of respected mentors such as David Wirrpanda, who provided valuable football and life advice to the group of budding footballers.
The program allows rising indigenous football stars a unique opportunity to be mentored by experienced and respected role models to keep them focused whilst they are trying to break into their respective WAFL colts teams.
The participants also picked up important nutrition tips from the club’s dietician, were given media training and went on a tour of the club’s inner sanctum.
Sandover medallist and West Coast Eagles indigenous liaison officer Phil Narkle spoke about the challenges of life as an AFL player, while Eddie Brown highlighted the specific opportunities available to indigenous youth through the AFLSportsready program in which Narkle was a mentor during previous years.
Narkle believes the program is an important opportunity for young footballers because he himself was mentored by his older brother growing up and knows how important it is to have a positive influence in life during these critical maturing stages.
"A program like this one not only gives the boys vital football skills, but more importantly it arms them with knowledge about leadership and citizenship which will then be passed on to their family and friends," Narkle said.
"This program is targeted to indigenous players who are just finding their way into the colts division of the WAFL and who will absorb and benefit the most from this leadership program.
"They are given the opportunity to come here and gain experience that they would otherwise never be exposed to."
This is the second year the West Coast Eagles’ Indigenous Leadership Program has been in operation and the successful initiative is likely to continue as the benefits each player receives have been paramount to their future success both in football and life.
