Above: Premier John Brumby chats with fellow Collinngwood supporters Oscar and Mason during the football clinic at Berwick Fields Primary School.
By Kelly Yates
TWO indigenous students from the Northern Territory have combined study with their passion for AFL thanks to an innovative school program
The slick skills of Year 10 students Jack Williams and Nathan Fejo were on display last Thursday as 1000 kids participated in a football clinic at Berwick Fields Primary School, organised by the Hallam Australian Rules Football Academy.
Jack and Nathan have been studying a Certificate II in Community Recreation at Hallam Senior Secondary College since April.
Nathan said his love of football, and his favourite team Collingwood, had grown since studying in Melbourne.
“Studying at the football academy has changed my life,” he said.
“When I saw my first AFL game I was so excited.”
Nathan hopes to one day be a professional AFL footballer.
Premier John Brumby visited Berwick Fields Primary School to have a kick with the boys at last week’s football clinic.
He said the two students were learning new skills from the coaches and staff at Hallam Senior Secondary College, and sharing their knowledge of the game with the other students.
“The footy season in the Northern Territory is played in summer, so Jack and Nathan are here during their off-season to improve their academic and sporting abilities,” Mr Brumby said.
The Hallam Australian Rules Football Academy began in 2006 as a partnership between the school and under-18 TAC Cup side Dandenong Stingrays.
Mr Brumby said the timetable at the academy was dedicated to learning the curriculum and also provided time for students to develop their skills, fitness and knowledge of the game, and then participate in matches on weekends.
“We want schools to think outside the square and develop unique programs to motivate students – and we provide schools with the freedom and resources to do that,” he said.
