DARREN MONCRIEFF
Tuesday 14 February 2012
NEW South Wales doesn't often get the kudos in football it deserves, but while Australia's most populous State seems focussed on the rugby codes, the Australian game has carved itself a healthy slice of the pie.
And with AFL club GWS Giants, AFL NSW/ACT and the NSW-ACT Indigenous Australian Football Association forming a partnership, the game's junior base have much to strive for -- like this month's two-day carnival at Wagga Wagga named after footy pioneer Jack Atkinson.
PHOTO: Players from Northern Allies (left) and Narrungdera contest the ball at a previous Jack Atkinson Indigenous football carnival in NSW.
Spots in the Blues side for April's national KickStart championship are also up for grabs with selectors casting a keen eye on the eight sides competing.
The event is the third to have been held and contesting the carnival will be Cowra, Cummergunja, Marrambidya, Millewah, Moonacullah, Narrungdera, Northern Allies and South West Magic.
It is an open age State-wide carnival with a number of capable junior players having a run in each side.
The girls won't be left out with a 12-team netball competition as part of the carnival.
The Giants, NAIAFA and AFL NSW/ACT will be holding a high-performance combine at Wagga Wagga's Mt Austin High School on Friday, 24 February.
"We are hoping to test 120-plus students from years 5 to 12," AFL NSW/ACT Indigenous programs manager Luke Penrith said.
"The combine will also be a great opportunity to source players from around the Riverina to be considered for selection into the State under-15 squad but ultimately, it's to generate interest among young people to think about joining a local Aussie rules footy club in their community."
At the footy, the carnival will see a under-17 development squad match game. Beforehand, guest speakers will talk to the players about healthy living, education and career pathways.
The level of support for the carnival has grown in recent years.
"NAIAFA board members are very passionate and proud about the carnival," Penrith said.
"Part of their motto is: 'We can use AFL footy and netball as a vehicle to spread the good word of healthy living, participation and teamwork'.
"In its third year, the footy carnival has had sustainable growth: from five teams in the first year to eight now. And with the introduction of netball, with 12 teams, we have the right measures in place to have another successful carnival."
While the carnival has the backing from the AFL and local community organisations to run the event, NAIAFA feels it shouldn’t rely on them solely for funding or sponsorship.
"Sponsorship is a major issue that gets raised every year," Penrith said.
"The question often asked is: 'Why can't we secure a major sponsor for the carnival?' Gate takings will hit over the 1000-people mark, there's great media and marketing exposure in both print and television, there's high profile visits from (former AFL champions)) Mick O’Loughlin and Chris Johnson and under-17 development programs to educate young players about career goals and pathways.
"In terms of community engagement we can safely say we are ticking all the boxes, we just need that big company or business to back us and this could grow leaps and bounds in the space of five years."
Growth in Australian football among Indigenous young people in NSW and ACT is steady, according to NAIAFA's Andrew Craig.
"There is a genuine interest among Aboriginal people interested in having a go at AFL," he said.
"With the exciting Indigenous players currently in the AFL, they are seen to be becoming role models for these young kids."
Chair of NAIAFA Rod Craig said the organisation plays a crucial role in football.
"Organisations such as NAIAFA is helping promote the game in regional and rural communities educating people in AFL, healthy lifestyle and community involvement," he said.
"These are all important factors for the growth of Australian rules football. The recognition of calendar events, education and employment pathways outlined throughout the AFL’s programs has seen the game grow in NSW/ACT."
The two-day carnival will be held on Friday 24-Saturday 25 February at Maher Oval, Wagga Wagga. Entry can be free or with a gold coin donation.
AboriginalFootball@westnet.com.au
Last Modified on 15/02/2012 00:10