MORE than 300 Aboriginal secondary school students will gather at Alberton Oval tomorrow to learn about new careers and to take part in the Aboriginal Power Cup football tournament.
Now in its third year, the Aboriginal Power Cup uses football as a tool to encourage young Aboriginal secondary school students in their education and to provide a pathway to workforce participation.
It also helps develop life skills such as teamwork, leadership and a healthy lifestyle.
A condition of participation in the football tournament is that students must have completed academic assignments that earn them SACE credits. This year’s Cup program will also feature an associated career expo, sponsored by Santos, which will build on career surveys and advice provided over the last two terms.
The winners of the boys and girls round-robin tournaments win the chance to play at AAMI Stadium on Saturday evening in the curtain-raiser to the Power v Sydney game - and take home the Aboriginal Power Cup.
The Aboriginal Power Cup program was created in 2008 by the Port Adelaide Football Club, the Attorney-General’s Department, the SA Aboriginal Sports Training Academy (SAASTA) and the SANFL.
Earlier this year, Santos invested $250,000 to help the Cup program expand further over the next three years. “The Aboriginal Power Cup is an exciting initiative that teaches students to aim high and set their own life goals,” says South Australia’s Attorney-General, John Rau.
“Students learn from successful footy stars that they have to make positive life choices if they want to achieve their goals and get a good job,” said Mr Rau.
Aboriginal Port Adelaide stars have been visiting schools for the last two terms with Ambassador for Youth Opportunity, Gavin Wanganeen, talking to students in workshops about their career aspirations and teaching them about setting and achieving their goals.
“It was great to get the students thinking about their future and what they wanted to do when they left school,” said Mr Wanganeen.
“Getting a good education and making healthy lifestyle choices is important no matter what career you choose.
“Not all students can become professional footballers, but they can learn about discipline, healthy living, teamwork and leadership by taking part in a major sporting competition.”
Port Adelaide Chief Executive Mark Haysman said the Power has a proud history of supporting Aboriginal players and local communities.
“We are 100% committed to building strong communities through local football initiatives,” said Mr Haysman.
“This initiative is especially important as we have been able to team up with the State Government and now Santos to provide an outstanding development program for young indigenous students.
“It has been really impressive to see how the sponsorship from Santos this year has enabled the program to expand its role in preparing the students to make a positive contribution to the workforce in years to come.”
Santos’ EHS, Sustainability & Indigenous Affairs Manager Andrew Antony said the company was pleased to partner with the Power and the State Government in the Aboriginal Power Cup.
“This tournament is about building young indigenous students’ education and employment potential, as well as the fun of having a kick and a catch.
“It’s the sort of thing Santos loves to support because it brings genuine benefit to the community.”
Attorney-General, John Rau sees even wider benefits to society from iniatives of this nature.
“Anti-social behaviour and youth crime can be reduced by keeping at risk youth attending school and engaged in education,” said Mr Rau.
“Innovative programs that capture the imagination of students and motivate them to stay at school can have a real impact on our communities in the future.”
