In conjunction with AFL NT, the Cats footy program started in 2007 around the Gove Peninsula in East Arnhem Land and has expanded to include Groote Eylandt. Devoid of footy for almost 8 seasons, the Cats helped establish a local footy league on the island in 2009 providing the local community with a much needed ‘grass roots’ competition once again.
The first of two trips for 2009, which took place in October, saw Travis Varcoe and Max Rooke visit Groote Eylandt for a series of school visits, junior footy clinics and skills training with senior aboriginal players. Similarly, David Wojcinski, Ryan Gamble, Trent West and Tom Gillies spent time in Gove and Groote Eylandt in November, along with Assistant Coach Nigel Lappin. Coordinated by Cats Player Development Manager Ron Watt, the program’s primary objective is to increase school attendance and enthusiasm for education in indigenous children through footy as well as provide a unique opportunity for our players.
‘The program gives our players a unique footy experience in a remote part of Australia where life in local communities is so very different to what we know. The local aboriginal kids love seeing AFL players come into the community and have a kick of the footy with them. The local senior players who already possess amazing skills also appreciate the time with AFL players and really want to learn how to improve their footy from our guys.’
In working with the local primary school at Anguruga on Groote Eylandt the Cats and AFL NT have implemented a program of recognition and reward for young aboriginal children who regularly attend school. Whilst improving, regular attendance still sits at approximately 15%. Early morning junior clinics are helping get kids to the school grounds to play footy in the hope they will then stay for breakfast and attend classes. The big reward is Footy Friday where those children who have been to school all week get to spend Friday afternoon playing a game of footy on the school oval; but no school no footy.
Cats midfielder David Wojcinski has made the trip twice and has found it such a personally rewarding experience.
"It’s a big challenge but we just want to try to help these kids understand how important it is to get to school each day and if footy helps do that, then that’s great." Wojcinski said.
Regular updates on the Cat Territory East Arnhem program will be posted on geelongcats.com.au or for further information contact:
Rachelle Rose
Community Relations Coordinator
Email community@geelongcats.com.au
The Geelong Cats thanks the Anindilyakwa Land Council, GEMCO (Groote Eylandt Mining Company) and the team at AFL Northern Territory for supporting our Indigenous program in East Arnhem Land.
