Improved academic performances and increased participation were key factors in major partner Santos this week renewing its sponsorship of the Aboriginal Power Cup program for an additional three years.

Operating since 2008, the Aboriginal Power Cup is coordinated by Power Community Ltd, the community development arm of the Port Adelaide Football Club.

It combines a SACE educational unit with football to encourage South Australian indigenous students in years 10-12 to complete their secondary education and move into further education, training and employment.

Only students who successfully complete their classwork are invited to take part in the football carnival, with the participants forming nine-a-side teams. The event also includes a careers expo, cultural activities, workshops and a team breakfast.

“Through our community support program Santos has been a strong supporter of initiatives that help people reach their full potential through education, employment pathways and training opportunities,” said Santos CEO David Knox.

“The Aboriginal Power Cup is a fantastic example of a program that is delivering real results for Aboriginal students in this state.

“Last year, 90 per cent of participants completed all the requirements of the SACE unit, up from 71 per cent when we began our involvement in 2010. What’s more, participation has grown from 133 students and six schools in 2008 to about 380 students from 35 schools in 2013.

“Santos gets a kick out of the Aboriginal Power Cup too. Our employees have the opportunity to talk to the students about their work experiences and career pathways, and take part in the fun of the event as goal umpires. We can also provide opportunities for students to learn more about our industry.”

Anthony Burgoyne participated in the Aboriginal Power Cup with Fremont-Elizabeth City High School and is now working in the Santos Regional Distribution Centre at Port Adelaide.

“Initially I was offered one month’s casual work with Santos in their distribution centre,” said Anthony.

“I decided to make the best of this opportunity to learn new skills and have been able to turn this opportunity from just one month into an ongoing role where I am part of a new team.”

In 2013 the Aboriginal Power Cup program will culminate with a three-day carnival at Alberton Oval from May 23-25, with the final for both boys and girls being played at AAMI Stadium as the curtain raiser to Power versus Geelong.

The Power Cup finalists are chosen on the basis of the participants’ combined school and football carnival results, with the finalists being announced only one hour prior to the final.

This weekend coincides with AFL Indigenous Round and provides another layer of cultural significance to the program.

Darren Adamson, General Manager of Power Community Ltd, says that “the shift of the Aboriginal Power Cup to AFL Indigenous Round has provided an opportunity for all students to embrace and celebrate their culture, and one of the highlights will be a pre-game dance prior to the Power game.

“We will see some wonderful football but all students leave the carnival with a greater appreciation of who they are and want they would like to achieve in the future.”

The theme for 2013 is Make your mark, shape your future. Students will explore their personal identity and cultural heritage and be empowered to take the next step into further education and employment pathways.