Sport’s important role in young lives
JASON Chatfield has been to hell and back after dragging himself out of cycles of substance abuse and lack of self-respect.
He says every day is tough but he’s taken the approach to life ` that helping others overcome their anxieties and stresses is the best way for him to live his life – by seeing others succeed through effort, commitment and determination.
He was recently the subject of an SBS story on the need in Dubbo for a detoxification and rehabilitation centre, as well as better mental health, drug and alcohol services in this region.
“I was lucky enough to share my story about how I turned my life around, and how people can achieve anything if they put their minds to it – I’m living proof,” Mr Chatfield said.
“I have my own business now. If you told me that two years ago I would have laughed – life is good,” he told Dubbo Photo News.
He has set up his own business called X-cellerate Athletics Coaching and, as well as attracting junior western athletes to train at Dubbo’s Barden Park, he also takes his coaching clinics to remote towns, offering services that outback kids wouldn’t otherwise have access to.
He says aside from offering opportunities to western kids to excel in something other than the flagship sport of rugby league, Athletics has something for everyone. He believes the focus needed in Athletics is a great way to build resilience when it comes to kids’ mental a health and the challenges faced by young people these days. Last week he took a team to the Primary Schools Sports Association NSW National Trials in Sydney, all five earning solid placements – two girls, Amy Barton and Xanthie Chatfield, made it through to the Nationals next month.
“Obviously I’m very proud of getting two qualified, but I’m more proud of how my other athletes handled themselves after not making the team,” Mr Chatfield said.
“Your day will come guys, trust me! You guys are only young, so keep training and the world will be at your feet.”
Amy Barton has been training for less than 12 months and has qualified for the Under-11 girls’ shotput.
“Amy was a very shy and reserved young girl who lacked confidence, but she’s found an escape in Athletics, in particular shot put, it’s her mindfulness if you like,” Mr Chatfield said.
“Since she started training, Amy has lost 10kg, she now has a healthy mind, has found positive friendships, built self-esteem and she loves being part of a team/ family when training.
“All aspects of her school have changed – she’s sleeping better, her school work’s better, her marks are higher... so her concentration and focus is amazing now,” he said.
His daughter Xanthie Chatfield will compete at the Nationals in Under-12 girls’ shotput and discus.
It’ll be her third Nationals. In 2017 she was state shotput champion and went on to score a silver medal at the Pacific School Games in Adelaide, but Xanthie has had her struggles over the last 12 months, almost giving the sport away.
“As her dad, not her coach, I knew that I had to give her space to work things out. As hard as that was, I knew I had to do it,” Mr Chatfield shared.
“Slowly but surely, she started training again, and found the hunger again.
“She has the commitment and drive to succeed, and is always a respectful competitor, she is humble in defeat and success and Xanthie’s training has helped her to become a confident, resilient young lady,” he said.