Grant spurs on Clayton North Primary
An AFL Victoria grant has given Clayton North Primary students a chance to fall in love with our great game, writes Maddison Jeffery
For the first time in 30 years Clayton North Primary students are able to practice their goalkicking after the school received funding for a new set of goalposts and also a set of football jumpers.
PE teacher and AFL Coles School Ambassador Billy Atkin said there were now countless footballs being kicked around at lunch.
“Most of the students at the school have just arrived in the country and have no prior knowledge of the skills Australian football requires.
With the equipment AFL Victoria has supplied, we’ve been able to teach them a modified version,” Atkin said.
“Having the ability to design our own jumpers with our own school colours and logo was incredible for the team spirit.
Clayton North’s football pedigree was proven last month when the school advanced to the Australia Post Multicultural Primary School State Cup, after winning their local region competition.
Adding to that feat, Atkin was last month named Victorian AFL Coles Schools ‘Primary School Ambassador of the Year’ for his efforts in organising and developing football programs such as Auskick and AFL 9’s.
Atkin said that although it has been a prosperous year, it hasn’t come without its challenges.
“It’s a slow process converting international kids from soccer but slowly but surely we are getting there though,” he said.
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