During the lead up to our ANZAC round clash against North Melbourne the Power Community team hosted Australian Defence Force families as part of the Power to be Positive Program coordinated by Will Northeast.

Over 200 family members were in attendance on a beautiful sunny day at Alberton Oval. The day started off with a tour of the facilities run by former player Alipate Carlile and club great Russell Ebert, followed by a coaching clinic run by Port Adelaide players Robbie Gray, Brad Ebert, Tom Rockliff, Matthew Broadbent, Ryan Burton and Zak Butters.

The kids experienced goal kicking, a kicking drill and Specky inflatables with their favourite Power players. After the clinic there was a big signing session and each child received a Power to be Positive water bottle for attending the day.

From this event, we were able to offer Australian Defence Force Families a family pass to attend our ANZAC match against North Melbourne and 30 lucky children an opportunity to participate in our Guard of Honour, giving them the chance to be on the field as the players run out through the banner. Over 1,000 tickets were redeemed by the families and the children who took part in the Guard of Honour had the experience of a lifetime.

“My eldest son, Angus (nine years old), was thrilled to be able to participate in the tour of the club and the skills lessons. In particular, he was in awe of the senior players who were so generous in giving their time to the young fans. My younger son, Hugh (five years old), displayed an excitement I have never seen in him when he waved his flag on the Adelaide Oval while the senior players ran onto the oval prior to beating North Melbourne by 16 points. The free tickets, gift packs, BBQ, use and tour of facilities displayed a generosity to us which we are both incredibly grateful for, and humbled by. For the staff and players of the club to give their time so generously left an indelible mark on all those who attended.”

Tim Miller – Warrant Office Class Two (Chief Clerk 16 Air Land Regiment)

“I just wanted to write and say thank you to yourself and the Port Adelaide Football Club for the opportunity to attend the ANZAC day round. It was the first AFL match our children have attended and they had a wonderful time. They are still raving about it! We really appreciate the support the club shows towards Defence families.” Brad Tarrant

During May, Ross, Jake, Bobby and Will travelled to Penang, Malaysia to visit the Butterworth base and coordinate the Power to be Positive program at three International schools with expat Australian students. At the schools, the team facilitated classroom activities on topics including fixed vs growth mindsets, mindfulness, gratitude and goal setting, while also teaching the kids Aussie Rules with a clinic.

The team also delivered a resilience workshop and a PT session for 120 soldiers on the RMAF Butterworth base. These soldiers had a three-month posting to Malaysia and were finding it extremely difficult during their jungle warfare training. They enjoyed experiencing AFL and having a taste of Australia with a kick and a catch. Bobby’s one-liners stole the show.

On the final night in Penang, staff held a family event for all Australian families, which included a kick and a catch and BBQ. The families loved the opportunity to meet other families that were posted over there. The gratitude shown by the ADF to the PAFC was incredible, this will go a long way to continuing to build our relationship with the industry.

There were many testimonials from the trip including from Stacey: When my daughter left there today she said, “Mum it reminded me of being back home. It made me so happy.” Thank you to everyone involved for making this happen.

The Power to be Positive program will then continue on June the 12^th when 16 schools that are a part of the Defence School Mentor Program come together at Alberton. There will be up to 200 students that will be involved with the Power to be Positive program. This year footy-based activities will be used throughout the wellbeing and resilience program.

For more information please contact wnortheast@pafc.com.au