AFL School Ambassador Program Background

History of WAFC’s Education Partnership

• WAFC’s strategic intent is to increase participation
• School system seen as key area to achieve this outcome
• Formation of WAFC Education Advisory Group to enhance the partnership
• Partnership paper was produced with the key message;

Vision

The vision is to create a proactive, sustainable and mutually beneficial partnership between the WA Department of Education and Training and the WA Football Commission in order to ensure that Australian Rules Football becomes a medium by which all girls and boys are engaged in safe and well organised physical activity focussing on health, well-being, nutrition, teamwork, enjoyment, social development, confidence, self-esteem and academic achievement.

Objectives

• To provide resources to improve the social, academic, physical and emotional outcomes for all students
• To provide male and female role models
• To ensure school staff are motivated, confident and sufficiently skilled
• To develop employment and participation pathways for students
• To ensure that Australian Rules Football is seen by all as a highly suitable sport

Foundation Strategies

• The appointment and training of a schoolteacher “Football Ambassador” (AFLSA)
• To develop programs and curriculum materials
• Provision of footballs and equipment to the school
• Guaranteed visits by AFL, WAFL and Community players to every AFLSA school
• Deliver the programs through a “Football Development Cell”

Outcomes

• Western Australian School children enhanced fitness, health, physical skills and well being
• Teachers report Male Students more actively involved in classroom activities
• Teachers report curriculum materials and support programs are effective, motivating and relevant
• Greater involvement by Ethnic and Aboriginal students
• A strong, sustainable and mutually beneficial partnership between Education and the WAFC

Expectations of Role

• AFLSA to be a strong promoter of football in the school, especially how relatively safe football is.
• Be an advocate for football programs in school.
• Implement AFL Education package in schools
• Professionally develop other staff members
• Ensure participation of the school in all football programs
• Be an active “Team” member of football “cell” in the district
• Contact person for Junior Community Club
• Promote junior registration day
• Inform P & C group at a meeting
• Promote school holiday coaching clinics
• Promote school football in the Media
• Ensure there is a Football in every classroom
• Ensure there are goal posts on oval
• Involve WAFL and AFL role models in literacy and numeracy activities
• Include football activities in daily fitness and athletic carnivals

Support for Football Ambassadors

• WAFC to provide;
• Curriculum materials
• Professional development
• Ongoing assistance from WAFC personnel eg Development Officers
• WAFL Club’s to conduct Educators’ Days
• Equipment for PE activities
• Regular communication
• Junior & Senior Community personnel to assist the teachers

Rewards & Recognition

• Formal appointment letter and certificate
• AFL & WAFL tickets and functions
• Acknowledgements in publications
• Specific website for recognizing AFLSA Best Practice