Students learn life skills through footballTuesday, July 4, 2017 - 4:07 PM

The Year 8 group at Aquinas College has finished Term 2 on a high, with a thrilling Grand Final football match as part of an intensive football-focused SEPEP, or Sport Education program, delivered in partnership with the West Australian Football Commission (WAFC).

The SEPEP football coaching and umpiring program was created by the WAFC and Aquinas College last year with the aim to enhance student learning through sport.

The program is designed to mirror the ‘real life’ football environment and includes sessions on competition management, drafting, rules and guidelines, media and match reporting.

Under the guidance of Lucas Fielding, the college’s Head of Physical Education, and WAFC Football Development Officer Chris Brown, students undertook theory and practical sessions relating to captaining, coaching and umpiring techniques and created a ‘mini’ AFL competition.

In the six weeks leading up to the competition phase of the program students utilised resources from the official WAFC Level 1 Youth Coaching Course and learned key skills on how to plan and deliver a training session, communicate with players and manage the team on game day.

Students also learnt the basic laws of the game with the online Level 1 Umpiring Course and got the opportunity to practice ball bouncing and boundary throw-ins.

WAFC Football Development Officer Chris Brown was very impressed with how quickly and confidently the students progressed during the program.

“It was fantastic to see the students so enthusiastic and excited to get involved in the program,” he said.

“By the end of the program everyone could conduct a training session to their peers and adjudicate an entire game of football.

“The SEPEP program model gives students a greater understanding of all aspects of football, while helping to deliver life skills on and off the field.

“The great thing about this program is the boys can take the skills they have learnt and join the local umpiring ranks or assist at their local junior football club in a coaching role.”

If your High School is interested in organising a SEPEP or Coaching and Umpiring Course contact Football Development Officer Chris Brown on cbrown@wafc.com.au.