Sport and recreation can offer young people in custody a multitude of learning opportunities.
Twice a week the team from the Stephen Michael Foundation join Banksia Hill Detention Centre staff to run a football program for the young people.
Recreation Officer, Mitch, says the program keeps them physically and mentally well.
“They also learn football specific skills, teamwork, communication and respect.
“We place importance on respecting umpire decisions and playing the game as a cohesive team.”
The Foundation’s Coach Development Coordinator, Tony Micale, says he’s always impressed by the skills of the young people at the Centre.
“There’s some real talent among the young people here and we want to try and foster that.
“A lot of them reject typical classroom education, but because they have an interest in football we can work with them on learning about values in a hands on way. They relate to the Foundation staff that makes them want to grow and opens their eyes to future opportunities.”
As the only juvenile detention centre in the State, Banksia Hill houses all young people on remand or who are sentenced to a term in custody.
The Centre partners with organisations to deliver a range of quality training, professional development and organisational culture programs to young people with complex needs.
These programs are part of the rehabilitative work being done to support the safety and recovery of young people in detention.
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