Preston Police have joined forces with the Collingwood Football Club in a squad designed to encourage young people of culturally diverse backgrounds to get involved in Australian Rules Football.
The Magpies Development Squad brings together students from five schools in Melbourne’s north to give them an opportunity to play football and learn valuable life skills.
Constable Crystal Cartwright said local police became involved following an invitation from Collingwood and said the initiative further fosters relationships between the club, police, local schools and youth.
“We’re really excited to be a part of the Magpies Development Squad in 2007 as it complements a range of youth-based programs we already have running in the Preston area,” said Const Cartwright.
“By working with the Collingwood Football Club we’ve been able to add to what we’re already doing as well as provide support to the excellent work the Magpies are doing in the northern suburbs.
“This program works by keeping the local youth active and giving them the opportunity to be involved with a sport they may not have necessarily had access to before.
“It also allows police to build positive relationships with the young people involved and for participants to have access to the skills, knowledge and facilities held by one of the AFL’s premier teams.”
The schools involved include Reservoir District Secondary College, Peter Lalor Secondary College, Broadmeadows Secondary College, Fawkner Secondary College and St Monica’s College.
Twelve students from each school have been selected to join the squad, forming both male and female teams. There is also an umpires squad.
Collingwood have provided two of their young stars as coaches, with Rhyce Shaw coaching the boys team and Heath Shaw in charge of the girls.
The squad covers a range of skills such as leadership, teamwork, coaching, physical training and nutrition.
Squad members also have the opportunity to use elite training venues such as the Lexus Centre and Telstra Dome, and also attend AFL matches during the season.
Const Cartwright said both the club and police had been able to assist each other in various ways for the benefit of all those involved.
“At one stage it was difficult for Collingwood to transport the players around so we were able to help them out, “ Const Cartwright said.
“Collingwood have also supported a range of other programs we are running in the Preston area by providing AFL tickets so participants can go along and see a live game.”
The aim of the program is to develop valuable leadership and teamwork skills and educate squad members on the benefits of living a healthy and active life.
One of its defining aspects is also the access it gives participants to AFL players.
“What we are seeing squad members get out of the experience is invaluable, particularly the opportunity for them to meet with AFL players they can look up to as role models,” Const Cartwright said.
“The program has been a great success in getting young people throughout the northern suburbs involved in sport and we are proud to be working with the Collingwood Football Club on this project.”
Natalie Webster,
Media Officer
Photo caption: Senior Constable Sophie Leete from Preston with some of the kids involved in the Magpies Development Squad.
