Kalgoorlie Primary School Teacher Recognised for Promoting FootyFriday, March 10, 2023 - 10:51 AM

A passion for football inspired Kate Thomas to play a leading role in promoting the game for boys and girls in Kalgoorlie.

A teacher at Hannans Primary School, Thomas has been recognised by the West Australian Football Commission for her tireless efforts to introduce and educate students about the sport.  

The 27 year-old, who teaches children in Year 5 and 6, explained some of the initiatives she’s been involved with.

“The Eagles Cup has provided a pathway for an increasing number of girls wanting to play footy.

We also have footy tipping, footy colours gold coin donation fundraisers, designing and tech-designing AFL team banners, persuasive writing on which AFL team is better and why, designing school guernseys, and holding regular discussions with the children about how they played at the weekend,” Thomas said.

Thomas has been teaching 10-12 year-olds for the past seven years.

“Term 2 is always a favourite for the kids because it’s the Eagles and Fever Cup.

Last year we had the Subiaco Football Club visit and West Coast Eagles AFLW players have also taken time out of their schedule to come to the school,” she said.

“ Growing up in Kalgoorlie I was always surrounded by football, having two older brothers who played the game.

My Nanna was a massive Boulder Tigers supporter, so she’d take us grandchildren to games each week.

Being an Essendon supporter, I’d love to attend an ANZAC Day match between the Bombers and Collingwood,” she said.

Gemma Harrison, Regional Football Specialist – Goldfields at the West Australian Football Commission, presented Kate with a Teacher’s Daily Work Pad as a token of appreciation for her work.

“It’s been humbling to watch Kate work both in and out of the classroom to promote our game.

She’s managed to convert many of her students into avid footy fans.

Her classroom is abuzz after local community games, with boys and girls sharing their stories.

Kate has also used footy within many of the learning areas to spark interest and motivation for her students,” Harrison said.

The AFL recently launched a new national AFL Schools Members program for teachers who wish to advocate for, and promote football at their school.

Interested teachers can find out more and register at : https://www.play.afl/schools/membership/