New AFL Queensland School Programs Manager Nathan Gilliland, speaking after the launch of the 2010 campaign at the Gabba on Tuesday (2 March 2010), explained the changes were made to help maximize enthusiasm for and performance of this key initiative.
“This is a critical program for AFL Queensland and we feel the new components will help the ambassadors deliver on their primary objectives - to provide a safe and enjoyable football environment for students and to professionally develop other staff members in AFL programs,” he said.
Queensland now has 500 school ambassadors based around the state from the Gold Coast, Townsville and up to Cape York providing students with a unique opportunity to combine their school education with Australian Football.
A large group of school ambassadors from all over Brisbane were on hand to enjoy the launch of the 2010 schools program at the Gabba, hosted by Brisbane Lions CEO Michael Bowers and attended by Lions players Michael Rischitelli and Callum Bartlett.
Chris Smedley, from MBF, discussed the MBF Schools Assist Program for 2010 under which MBF and the Lions will support ‘Recreational Football’ at local ambassador schools.
He explained this involves providing ‘Rec Footy’ packs and driving a Lions appearance at selected schools throughout Brisbane North, Brisbane West and South East Brisbane.
Gilliland said the support of MBF and the Lions for schools football programs across Brisbane has been fantastic, with schools also receiving new playing jumpers in addition to the new sport recreation kits.
At the launch the school ambassadors were taken through a new website at www.afllearning.com.au designed especially for teachers which allows them to simply log on to find teaching activities for all year levels over the eight key learning areas.
According to Gilliland, the new AFL learning management system aims to provide educators with an array of innovative resources to enhance educational outcomes and help engage students in unique and meaningful ways.
Also, AFL Queensland will run a series of Professional Development days for teachers to focus on up-skilling knowledge of AFL practical programs in schools such as Fundamental Movers and Sport Education.
Teachers will also be taken through curriculum resources available to be used in the classroom.
“The objective is to provide teachers with quality training in what AFLQ has to offer in schools, and to provide teachers with the knowledge to conduct AFL practical lessons and how to best utilise the AFL curriculum resources,” he explained.
The special Dream Team competition for school children, which can be accessed for the Dream Team section on afl.com.au, provides an opportunity for schools and school students from across the State to compete for the right to represent Queensland against other states later in the season.
“The Dream Team concept has become hugely popular with AFL fans at all levels so it was decided to provide a competition forum that is exclusive to schools football,” Gilliland explained.
Gilliland thanked the ambassadors for the fantastic work they do in their schools. and stressed the importance of having strong communication between schools and AFLQ to deliver quality programs into schools.
In providing an overview of the school program, Gilliland explained the AFL Queensland Game Development staff are responsible for nominating teachers in their region to become AFL School Ambassadors.
Some examples of the role of an AFL School Ambassador can play are as follows:
- The strong promotion of AFL, especially the "safe" enjoyable and skilful aspects.
- An advocate for AFL programs in the school
- Implement the new AFL - Our National Game, Curriculum learning activities CD Rom.
- Professionally develop other staff members in all aspects of AFL Programs.
- Ensure school is participating in all football programs - clinics and competitions.
- Be an efffective "Team" member of your schools sporting district.
Gilliland also identified ways in which AFL School Ambassadors can contribute to the promotion of AFL:-
- Be a contact person for the local junior or senior community club(s)
- Promote junior registration to all students
- Attend P&C meetings to promote program
- Promote school holiday football coaching clinics conducted by AFL Queensland
- Promote Football programs in Media/School newsletter
AFL Queensland support for School Football Ambassadors includes:-
- Curriculum materials
- Professional development
- Ongoing assistance from AFL Queensland personnell - Development Officers
- Invitations to Teacher Recognition functions
- A National AFL School Ambassador Newsletter
- Complimentary Apparel
- Subsidised Equipment for PE activities
- Regular communication
Ambassadors were provided with a School Ambassador polo shirt, a laptop carry bag, AFL curriculum resources, posters and tipping cards.
The audience was very interested to hear from Bartlett, the Lions’ first pick in the 2009 NAB AFL National Draft, who was interviewed by the CEO.
The former Geelong Falcons midfielder, in the latter stages of his rehabilitation from a 2009 knee reconstruction, sent a clear message told students and teachers in attendance that patience was the key to recovery, and that doing the little things well was critical.
Rischitelli spoke about his aim to play more football through the midfield in 2010 and told of his delight at seeing how far AFL has developed in schools and clubs in Queensland since his time at the Lions.
