New heights for aboriginal football

24/3/00
A specialised football academy to nurture the talent of the State's young Aboriginal players was launched today at Subiaco Oval.
Minister Assisting the Treasurer Graham Kierath presented Clontarf Football Foundation director Gerard Neesham with $38,000 from the Lotteries Commision to help establish the academy.
To be run parallel to the Clontarf Aboriginal College, the new academy has identified 40 of the State's most promising young Aboriginal footballers, aged between 15 and 18 years, to come together for specialised development.
Mr Kierath said the college already had a rich history of producing elite level footballers such as AFL players Winston Abraham, Gary Dhurrkay, Steven Koops and Ronnie Burns.
He said he expected the formation of the academy would only further focus the development of Aboriginal football in Western Australia.
"Every AFL club in the country is soon going to be beating a path to Clontarf once they realise the talent that is on offer,"
Mr Kierath said.
"The school has produced elite footballers without even trying; imagine what is going to happen once this specialised program is in place."
The Clontarf squad will be coached by former Fremantle and Hawthorn champion, Ben Allan, with specialised coaching by Percy Johnson and Dale Kickett.
The squad will contest the Quit Cup including games against other metropolitan and country schools with all members of the squad required to attend the college.
Mr Kierath said the extensive program was based on football but also focussed the Aboriginal players on life after football, the importance of education and the discipline required to reach the highest level.
"It is not just going to create champion footballers, it is also going to create champions of the community," Mr Kierath said.
"This program will allow Aboriginal footballers the chance to develop as players and as men without the cross-cultural strains that usually impact on their careers."
Media contact: Zac Donovan (08) 9213 6400