Junior Football Clubs Begin Journey on Racism EducationThursday, February 23, 2023 - 8:52 AM

WA football great Phil Narkle is playing a leading role in a new campaign to eradicate Racial Vilification within community clubs.

Narkle, the Aboriginal Program Manager at the West Australian Football Commission, was joined by his daughter Jade in presenting the WAFC’s first ever Racial Vilification session with junior football clubs.

The pair spoke to about 60 people representing 37 clubs from the Metro Central Competition, which comes under the jurisdiction of WAFL clubs Swan Districts, Perth and East Perth.

Jade, the Diversity Co-Ordinator at the WAFC, works closely with her father to educate young players about a range of issues.

“We addressed several topics including defining racism, key steps required to stop racism, and best practice when it comes to racial vilification.

The session also looked at ways to make clubs culturally safe and the resourcing required,” Jade said.

The 1982 Sandover Medallist spoke of the progress on racial issues at football clubs but also the work still required.

“A lack of cultural education and information is a concern, and we know clubs are aware of racism.

We need to deliver more cultural education and training on racism so clubs understand the impact it has on Indigenous people,” Narkle said.

Jade is proud of the program and the initial response from the attendees.

“The session was really well received by everyone in the room.

Phil and I had several Presidents come up to us after the talk to thank us for running the evening and the information which was delivered.

Ideally, if clubs can walk away a little wiser than when they walked in, and with some new ideas on how to tackle certain issues, it will be a great start,” she said.

Having held a session with the Metro Central Competition, Phil and Jade intend on providing a similar evening with the Metro South and Metro North Competition.