The Power has further enhanced its status as the community club with the launch of the Aboriginal Power Cup in conjunction with the State Government at AAMI Stadium on Friday.

Deputy Premier Kevin Foley said that Aboriginal Power Cup aims to engage Aboriginal youth across the State by fostering healthy competition through sport.

“The Aboriginal Power cup will be complemented by programs that promote school-based education and vocational training,” Mr Foley said.

"This will increase the awareness of the participants in the importance of personal health and well being, instil confidence and self-worth as well as connecting them with community organisations and positive role models.”

Power chief executive John James said that this was just another way in which the club hoped to engage with the community and to make a meaningful contribution.

“The Port Adelaide Football Club has had a long involvement with the Aboriginal community both in terms of our success with Aboriginal players and also the work we’ve done through our Community Youth Program and Plane Teal,” James said.

“The Aboriginal Power Cup is another opportunity for our club to contribute in a positive way and we absolutely commend the State Government and Premier Rann and Deputy Premier Foley for their desire ‘to break the cycle’.

In its inaugural year, the Aboriginal Power Cup will be open to SAASTA students as the Para West Adult Campus, Kaurna Plains Primary School, John Pirie Secondary School, Ceduna Area School, Port Lincoln High school and the Wiltja Program (Woodville High School).

Power players will visit the schools during the next term to encourage participation. Power players will also lead Leadership workshops with the chosen students.

Students will be responsible for the preparation and planning of the football carnival, including designing team Guernseys and liaising with the local media to generate publicity and community support.

The carnival will take place on August 14 at Alberton Oval. The two winning teams will play in the curtain raiser at AAMI Stadium prior to the Power's Friday night clash against Collingwood on August 15.

Picking up on key recommendations from the Monsignor David Cappo’s report To Break the Cycle, the State Government teamed up with the Power, the South Australian Aboriginal Sports Training Academy and the SANFL on this project.

The concept is modelled on a successful UK-based program that collaborated with the Charlton Athletic Football Club to tackle youth crime issues in the Charlton area of south-east London.

The model demonstrates positive engagement with ‘at-risk’ young people through sport can break the cycle of crime and anti-social behaviour.

“The Aboriginal Power Cup project is an excellent example of collaboration between private and public sector organisations for the greater community benefit,” Foley said.

“We are fortunate that the Port Adelaide Football Club was immediately enthusiastic about this concept and grasped the opportunity as an integral part of its community development work.”