Moving from the country to the city can be a stressful affair but there is one player in the NEAFL who has done it with minimum fuss.
Jackson Kew was recruited at the start of the season by the Ainslie Football Club and has done well to establish
himself in the NEAFL team in his debut year. The 18-year-old moved to Canberra this year in search of a higher level of competition after growing up in Coolamon near Wagga Wagga.
Growing up in the country town of Coolamon means that it is pretty difficult to avoid playing football. Kew was introduced to the game by his family, with his father, who has been involved with the game most of his life.
His father, Garry Kew, put Jackson into Auskick at such a young age which has now led to the young man having a strong passion for the game. Garry Kew said that his son made the decision to come to Canberra by himself, and that he thinks the challenge the NEAFL represents was one of the main reasons.
“He’s a kid that loves hard work and thrives on a challenge… his aim is to play against the best player on the opposition every week, and he has always been like that.”
The increase in career opportunities in Canberra was another factor in why Jackson Kew moved to Canberra. After getting in touch with Ainslie and securing a place within the team, the club helped the talented player setup job interviews and find a place to live. The young player said that being a part of such a great club has helped him get used to his first year out of home.
“Playing with Ainslie, I’ve met a lot of good blokes and became mates with a lot of great people which has really helped me settle in.” Kew is modest about his future in the game and just wants to take it week by week and year by year.
In his first year with the club his focus is performing at his best when he gets the opportunity and helping his team win. Jackson Kew has had a great start to his NEAFL career and has a promising future ahead of him in Canberra.
With his humble approach and strong work ethic, there’s no telling what this kid from the country could achieve in the game he loves.
Last Modified on 20/06/2011 22:37