West Australian Football Commission’s AFL for Life reinvigorated by promise from West Coast Eagles and Alcoa

Junior football in the South West has received another boost from the already successful AFL for Life program. The program has been reinvigorated by a $50,000 a year promise from the West Coast Eagles and a $10,000 contribution from Alcoa’s Wagerup Refinery after it suffered from a COVID-affected 2020. The West Australian Football Commission initiative was designed to introduce the sport to school-aged children and the organisation said it aims to provide a positive experience through physical activity and participation. Harvey Bulls colts coach Matt Chave will lend his football skills and knowledge after his recent appointment as regional development officer. West Coast Eagles chief executive Trevor Nesbitt said the club wanted to help to grow the game wherever possible. “When we were approached about supporting AFL for Life, the program’s results spoke for themself,” he said. “It is just the type of grassroots-driven activity we want to get behind.” WAFC regional development specialist Nathan Douch said the program was growing the game in the area. “Since the inception of the AFL for Life Program at the start of 2017, the program has gone from strength to strength with the focus being to get a footy in as many children’s hands across the South West,” he said. “This has encompassed not only schools, but through into NAB AFL Auskick and beyond.” Alcoa Wagerup community relations manager Tom Busher said the company was excited to be involved in growing the future of the sport. “The program has been a terrific success providing an introduction point to the sport for the boys and particularly women’s youth AFL which is growing exponentially across the region,” Since the program’s inception five years ago, an extra 43 junior teams have entered in the South West Junior Football League and Busselton and Margaret River Junior competitions. More than 50 schools across the South West will be visited by the program this year.