15 Clarkson Community High School students are days away from completing a Certificate II in Sports Coaching thanks to a 20-week program developed by the West Coast Academy for Aboriginal Sport, Health and Education (AASHE). 

"A lot of Aboriginal students are keen on sport but don't have an avenue to turn this passion into a profession," said AASHE Principal Lecturer Paul Ahearn.

 "With the support of the Australian Sports Commission, David Wirripanda Foundation, Nyoongar Sports Association and West Perth Football Club, we have created an engaging program which encourages students to become leaders and think for themselves."

Another AASHE program sees young Aboriginal people attend West Coast's Joondalup Campus three days a week to obtain a Certificate II in Sports Coaching and obtain additional skills in nutrition, leadership, personal development and senior first aid.

24-year old Aboriginal student Kaila Riley has already secured employment as an Aboriginal Islander Educational Officer at Greenwood Primary School through her participation in the program.

Here, she works with children, dealing with educational and home issues  and will be running an Active After School Program for the Australian Sports Commission at the school from early next year.

"Going out to Clarkson Primary School to deliver modified sports programs to the kids was a definite highlight of the program," said Kaila. "The trick is to keep the games fun whilst focusing on certain skills like hand and eye coordination for instance."

Aboriginal 2008 Olympic Boxer Anthony Little supports the program and works alongside AAHSE lecturers to keep students engaged and teach them skills in sports coaching which can lead to further training and employment.

"It's all about keeping them active, interested in sport and teaching them skills in self-esteem and confidence that will help them later on in life," said Little. Those interested in the AASHE program can call (08) 9233 1197.

Article courtesy of AASHE