One of the most popular programmes within Fremantle’s Community Development Programme, Freo Factor is a unique school-based programme designed to utilise Fremantle’s resources and player expertise to assist students to make informed decisions for a responsible, healthy and active lifestyle.
Through Freo Factor students not only participate in fun football related activities but will also, with the assistance of a Fremantle player in their classroom, gain an understanding of leadership, bullying, healthy lifestyle, goal setting and social responsibility.
The students today took part in a series of bumping, tackling, handpassing, reflex and kicking drills with Rhys Palmer, Robert Warnock, Brock O’Brien, Andrew Foster, Luke Pratt, Brent Connelly and Calib Mourish before getting a guided tour of the club.
Australian Islamic College teacher Niall McCloskey said the participating students were thoroughly enjoying their involvement in the Freo Factor programme and were quickly improving their football skills.
He said Freo Factor was providing the students with the chance to explore a sport that, to many of them, was not one that occupied their recess and lunch times.
“Besides soccer and basketball the students don’t really get a lot of exposure to AFL. They will watch it on TV but they don’t get a lot of hands on opportunities. So we thought Freo Factor was a great opportunity for the kids to build their skills as well as encourage them to join a local side once they have a sound grasp on football,” Mr McCloskey said.
“Their interest in the sport has gone through the roof thanks to these sessions where they get to develop their skills with the help of Fremantle players. There are definitely a couple of boys who will be keen to join a junior club in the future.”
Freo Factor is one of two new programmes introduced to the CDP in 2008 and Community Development Manager David Crute said it was one of the most popular programmes amongst schools wishing to take part in the CDP this year.
“We knew Freo Factor was going to be in high demand because it is a programme that addresses a variety of themes like leadership, bullying, having a healthy lifestyle, goal setting and social responsibility,” Mr Crute said.
“It is also pleasing to see schools like the Australian Islamic College participate in Freo Factor as their students’ sporting backgrounds are more often than not sports other than Australian Rules. So to see them kicking and handballing and enjoying themselves while they do it is really encouraging for the Fremantle Football Club.”
Joining Freo Factor as a new initiative in the Community Development Programme this year is Freo Fast Ball. The Freo Fast Ball competition is a new and exciting team handballing event for primary schools throughout WA.
Freo Fast Ball encourages enjoyable team competition while at the same time promoting school spirit and participation in sport. The competition involves a team of six students handballing a football through a zigzag formation in the quickest possible time.
The Freo Factor programme and Freo Fast Ball programmes join the ever popular Johnny ‘the Doc’ Docker Motor Skills, Freo Kwik, Freo Long Bomb, Welcome to the AFL and the School Holiday programmes for 2008.
With the continued loyal support of Alinta, Fremantle’s major partner in our Community Development Programme, the range of exciting, educational and fun-filled programmes that will be delivered to over 500,000 WA school children this year has been boosted even further.
Fremantle Football Club’s Community Development Programme is proudly supported by Platinum Level sponsor Alinta. Alinta have a long standing relationship with Fremantle and are committed to investing time and resources to continue to develop the CDP with the Club as well as aiming to teach children life skills and values using Australian Rules Football as an educational tool.
For further information on Fremantle’s Community Development Programme visit the Community section of the club’s website www.fremantlefc.com.au.
