By Travis Parnaby
Robbie Castello is a star not only on the field for the Werribee Tigers but also off it.
The 23-year-old has been out and about in the growing Wyndham region introducing new arrivals to our great native game, preaching the gospel of the VFL and unearthing the next generation of Tigers.
Earlier this year, Castello was appointed to a new role as Werribee Development Officer and it is a diverse job description.
Castello visits local schools and talks to youngsters about not only footy but also the importance of leadership, role models and confronting life issues such as youth suicide and depression.
“The kids have been sensational,” he said.
“The most important thing is not for me to talk but to get them to talk.
“I know when I was at school it’s probably not something you’d generally talk about so to see the kids open up is fantastic.”
Football is often referred to as the great leveler – a place for players and fans of different racial, religious and economic backgrounds to unite.
Castello’s football clinics see him teaching the basics of kicking, handballing and marking to those not ordinarily exposed to Australian football such as the Sudanese and Muslim communities.
Castello said he had great pleasure in taking football to schools such as Al-Taqwa Islamic College in Truganina.
Essendon rising star and ex-Western Jet Bachar Houli is a product of Al-Taqwa Islamic College and Castello said this had triggered a boom in interest in Australian football.
“They just idolize Bachar Houli and definitely, they are much more interested in Australian football because of him,” he said.
“They play soccer but through Bachar they want to find out about our game too.”
Castello is also driving another Werribee Tigers initiative, the Dale Morris Development Squad. Morris played four seasons at Bartercard Oval before being recruited to the Western Bulldogs, where he is a vital cog in their defence.
There are 30 Under-18 players in the squad from the Wyndham region and the Tigers hope it will spawn the next crop of young guns.
“Hopefully, five or six will do a pre-season with us and then go onto the senior list next year,” Castello said.
“It’s vital for the footy club to have some local talent on the list.”
The Werribee Football Club is so pleased with Castello’s ability to connect with the local community that they have signed him up for another year as Development Officer.
Castello said there was significant merit for all VFL clubs to introduce a similar position.
“I think it would be fantastic if all VFL clubs could do something like this and reach out to their communities,” he said.
“It’s been really busy juggling playing but (Werribee General Manager) Mark (Penaluna) and the club have been really supportive.
“I’m really enjoying it.”
Last Modified on 13/01/2009 13:43