West Australian Football Commission Congratulates 2022 SportWest Award WinnersMonday, February 27, 2023 - 10:48 AM

Two football clubs were among the winners at the 2022 Sport West Awards staged at Optus Stadium.

Mt Helena Junior Football Club was named the revoltioniseSPORT Community Club of the Year – John Gilmour Medal.

Mt Helena Junior Football Club has been described as “a little club with huge heart, impacting community through sport."

After struggling through the challenges of COVID, the club recognised a gap in programs available to minority groups and individuals, particularly those living with a disability.

The club launched the Starkick All Abilities Program, which provides children who previously could not play team sport the opportunity to participate.

Children and their families have welcomed the program which connects them to their club and the community.

In the words of one Starkick parent.

“Mount Helena Junior Football Club has given my family a chance to feel normal, to feel included, to be part of the Hills sporting community and we will be forever grateful.

Watching our son get a medal around his neck is a simple pleasure that I never thought we would have.

Thank you, Mount Helena Junior Football Club.”

It was also a night of celebration for the Ports Football Club, which was recognised with the Healthway Healthy Club Award.

Ports provided an extensive range of mental health awareness and promotional activities in 2022.

Led by Chris Cassam, Ports FC started the season with a “Tackle Your Feelings” session which engaged members of the football club, other local clubs in Esperance and Auskick Co-ordinators.

The football club also hosted several promotional rounds, including “Belt Up,” “Talk to a Mate” and “Think Mental Health Round”.

 The WAFC would also like to acknowledge Troy Kirkham, Executive Manager Game Development and Community Football at the West Australian Football Commission, who was a finalist for the DLGSC Administrator of the Year.