THE Social Cohesion Program at Kilburn has reached a positive conclusion after two years of engagement and leadership. The initial invitation for the local African community to participate in a new program at Kilburn Football Club caught everyone by surprise when 80% of the participants were teenage girls. The challenge to lead this new team was met head-on with the appointment of Coach Mal Thiel and AFL Multicultural Ambassador Alipate Carlile.

In 2013 the girls formed an U16 team and made it into the Preliminary Final of their Friday night competition. In 2014 the girls continued their football development but the priority shifted to leadership, goal setting and career planning.

Five of the girls secured casual employment at the new Coles on Churchill Road, a significant step that will support their final years of schooling. Four of the girls participated in the YWCA Youth Parliament, excited about the opportunity to have a political voice in their new country. Two of the girls may have futures in AFL, representing SA in the U16 Girls State Competition which included a trip to Sydney.

In 2015 the Kilburn Football Club will take ownership of the program and support the team, plus younger brothers who have joined the club.

Power Community Ltd would like to acknowledge the work of Kilburn FC and thank our funding partners – Community Benefit SA and the Department for Immigration - we are kicking goals together.