Perry Home, the 2008 & 2009 West Australian AFL School Ambassador of the Year, is driving a new pilot program in the South West region of WA which is already having a significant impact on the quantity and quality of the Ambassador program.

Perry has been employed on a part time basis (2 days a week) to conduct professional development workshops in South West schools focusing on up skilling existing Ambassadors, implementing the AFL Sport Education program and at the same time recruiting new Ambassadors.

The WAFC AFL Sport Education Program will involve the embedding of our two highly successful Intra-School competitions, Eagles Faction Footy (Primary) and Freo House Footy (Secondary) into WA schools so they become key, and hopefully permanent components of the physical education and sport programs.

These intra school activities are growing rapidly, not only in South West schools but all over the state with participation expected to exceed 33,000 students in 2010 (up from 23,370 or 41% in 2009).

A very productive AFLSA Induction day was held in the South West region this year, which for the first time included new and existing AFL School Ambassadors.

This is a very effective way of engaging new teachers, up skilling current Ambassadors, sharing best practice and matching these new ambassadors with experienced mentors.

"I am very proud to be working with the WAFC in the South West region to assist in the growth of the game," said Perry.

"This year we have doubled the number of schools playing Eagles Faction Football in the South West and I know there will be a heap of kids and their teachers with big smiles provided by playing organised football at their school."

"The brand new Dockers Cup, for primary schoolgirls, is also creating a lot of interest in the region. My involvement through the School Ambassador's program has provided me with opportunity to work with motivated people in football and fellow teachers who love our indigenous game."

"I would recommend to any teacher to become involved in this program, it is second to none with its resources, recognition and rewards," said Perry.

“I am also keen to discuss the possible formation of a National AFL School Ambassador Association to promote our program, enhance our member benefits, develop more resources, fundraise for charities and community projects, conduct conferences but most importantly  enhance the status of all the hard working teacher-ambassadors around Australia.”

The WAFC is now looking at ways to expand this new delivery model to other districts in the state in 2011 and beyond.