PORT ADELAIDE's AFLW team has welcomed 14-year-old volunteer waterboy Will Cassidy-Boots, who will lend a hand at training this season.
Will, who lives with Down syndrome, enjoyed his first day on the job on Wednesday, during the playing group’s first session under Alberton Oval’s new lights.
In each drinks break, head trainer Phil would summon his new helper from the bench, with Will quickly scooping up a drink bottle holder to dash to the middle.
Will was greeted warmly by players and staff on arrival and with the support of his mum, Leah Cassidy, who also happens to be the chief executive of Sport SA, he quickly settled in.
“Will is footy mad,” Leah said.
“He absolutely loves footy but particularly loves Port Adelaide. Will’s grandad was a huge (SANFL) Magpies fan, he grew up in the Port and we have a square of Alberton pub carpet at home, so we’re Port through and through.”
At one point during match simulation, new recruit Janelle Cuthbertson jogged from the ground with a cut to the head, and a concerned Will leapt from his spot on the interchange bench to check that she was okay.
“Will’s got huge empathy,” Leah said.
“His other mum and I were talking about what he would do. He’s 14 and starting to think about that first job. His first love is footy and he loves to be helpful and he really has a deep concern for other people. So, this is perfect, combining all the things he loves – helping people, footy, Port Adelaide.”
Head of AFLW Juliet Haslam said having Will involved speaks to the culture of the club and the way in which the AFLW program embraces new people.
“I think it’s just part of our program and what we’re trying to do,” Juliet said.
“It’s including everybody and making them feel a part of it. That’s what we’re all about, it’s that community feeling and to have Will out here tonight is just fabulous. You can just see how much it means to him to be out here and it’s special for him and for all of us.”
Will boasts an uncanny memory when it comes to football, with Leah stating her son knows every, single AFL player and every club song.
In a week’s time, she is certain he will know every, single Port Adelaide AFLW player too.
“Rach sent me the poster of all the players, and we’ve been practicing learning the names,” she said.
“I guarantee you by next Wednesday, he’ll go up to every player and talk to them by name.”
And as the pair left Alberton on that first night, Leah asked Will, “are you happy and did you have fun?” to which he replied with a smile, “I am so, super happy, that was super awesome!”
