Multi-sport program engages at-risk youth in ArmadaleTuesday, June 27, 2017 - 1:05 PM

More than 400 disconnected at-risk youth have been linked to social support services through a new sports program delivered in partnership with the West Australian Football Commission (WAFC).

The WAFC joined forces with the City of Armadale, Telstra, Headspace, YMCA and Netball WA and launched NightFields, a four-week multi-sport program, at Gwynne Park in Armadale last month.

WAFC Community Engagement Manager Paul Mugambwa said the program has been a great success.

“The program we delivered in the City of Armadale exceeded our initial expectations. We were able to reach more than 400 young people and provide them with social support services if they needed it,” he said.

“The success of the program would not have been possible without the support and leadership provided by the City of Armadale and Telstra who not only sponsored the centre but supported the program through volunteer staff and fun activities for the kids and family members attending.

“The NightFields Armadale Centre was set up as a pilot program, but based on these achievements we are looking to run another four-week program before the end of the year with the aim of creating an ongoing program in 2018.”

City of Armadale Mayor Henry Zelones OAM, JP said the introduction of the NightFields program to Armadale has seen significant engagement from local young people.

“The NightFields program provided a healthy and connected activity for our youth to take part in weekly. Each session saw more than 100 young locals attending, along with their parents, who all enjoyed the positive atmosphere,” he said.

“It was fantastic to see the youth being inspired by the guest players, developing new sporting skills and building great relationships with the YMCA, WAFC, Netball WA and headspace coaches and youth workers.”

Sessions were held every Wednesday after school hours from 4pm - 6pm for students from the local Armadale community with the following schools having the most students attend – Challis PS, Neerigen Brook PS, Gwynne Park PS and Southern Hills College.

Former South Fremantle and Hawthorn footballer Jermaine Miller-Lewis helped facilitate football games during the sessions and participants also received a sausage sizzle, thanks to Telstra.

Information:

• The WAFC NightFields Program started in 2013 at Lathlain Park and has since expanded to locations across metro and regional WA including Kwinana, Armadale, Mandurah, Albany, Kalgoorlie, Karratha and Geraldton.
• Last year more than 2,000 young people engaged in the program.
• Most NightFields centres now deliver multiple sports including netball, basketball, soccer, cricket and touch rugby.
• The Program offers training opportunities for youth aged between 18-25 as clinic coordinators, who are employed as casual staff. More than 20 casual staff that have been developed through NightFields.