BHP Billiton Iron Ore has announced its ongoing support of the Swan Districts Football Club (SDFC) renewing its contract as principal and founding partner of the SDFC youth education programs with a $1.6 million dollar commitment over three years.
SDFC’s youth education programs; ‘Kicking Goals’, ‘Shooting Goals’ and ‘V Swans Mentoring Program’, are designed to keep regional students at school, reduce absenteeism and improve high school retention rates and have been achieving significant results.
Carl Binning, BHP Billiton Iron Ore Vice President Sustainability said the Swan Districts had been instrumental in delivering successful social and educational programs in regional communities and BHP Billiton were proud to continue the six-year relationship.
“To work with a club whose goals to develop young people, particularly indigenous youth, is so closely aligned to our own creates a unique and very fulfilling relationship,” said Mr Binning. Brendan Parker, CEO SDFC said the support of BHP Billiton has allowed Swan Districts Football Club to develop beyond just focusing on Saturday’s football to deliver social, health, academic and sporting outcomes for youth in regional communities.
“We are delighted with the continuing support of BHP Billiton Iron Ore. We have enjoyed a very productive relationship with BHP Billiton Iron Ore to identify, develop and deliver activities that engage with kids, open their minds to career possibilities and give them tools and life skills beyond football,” said Mr Parker.
The SDFC has created a unique model of truly integrated community activities and the youth education programs available in the Pilbara, Bunbury and east metro communities represent the largest regionally based AFL mentoring program in Australia. The Kicking Goals (AFL) and Shooting Goals (Netball) programs, run in conjunction with the WCE and Education Department of WA, offer both male and female students at Port Hedland and Newman Senior High Schools with a curriculum based program that encourage attendance and participation.
The involvement of mentors such as Peter Matera, Chris Lewis, Tracey Pemberton (former Perth Oriole/WC Fever netballer) and Nic Naitanui helps engage with both girls and boys. The combination of sport and theory components helps to develop self-esteem; identify goals and aspirations; promote health and wellbeing and demonstrates the importance of teamwork and leadership.
Carolyn Cook, Principal Hedland Senior High School (2009 Western Australia Principal of the Year) believes the Kicking Goals and Shooting Goals programs have significantly influenced the increase in school attendance by indigenous students.
“Having people like Peter, Chris and Tracey regularly at our school and imparting their passion and knowledge to our kids is just a fantastic incentive. Our school now has a 73.2% indigenous attendance record which sits above the state average of 67.4% and is testament to the programs success”, she said.
The V Swans mentoring programs are also achieving excellent results in providing education and employment pathways. A notable beneficiary of the program is Lewis Jetta. Recently drafted to the Sydney Swans, Lewis was provided with mentoring and career support when he relocated from Bunbury to play with Swan Districts.
The player pathway development program facilitated 28 Pilbara footballers to join development squads and WAFL teams in 2009. Additionally, 14 netballers were selected in academy squads with four receiving Netball WA development scholarships. The youth programs emanating from the Swan Districts and BHP Billiton Iron Ore partnership have now engaged 5,628 participants including 1,852 in netball programs.
