AFL kicks new goals

Program aims to encourage diversity and inclusion

AUSSIE RULES FOOTBALL: No longer content with producing great footballers, the AFL wants to help produce great people.

Kicking off in 2018, AFLQ Darling Downs in partnership with Education Queensland will help introduce the Everyone Matters to Year 4 students across the region.

AFL Darling Downs regional manager Jeff Neumann said he was excited about the program which aimed to unite people and communities.

“The AFL values diversity and inclusion and that’s the heart of Everyone Matters,” Neumann said.

“We don’t want to be just sporting leaders, we want to be community leaders off the field.

“That is why we the AFL has been working closely with the Department of Education and Training to create and implement this program.”

With more than 200 schools in the Darling Downs, Neumann believed introducing Everyone Matters to the region would have a massive positive impact on future generations.

“The program has four health lessons delivered by classroom staff and four movement lessons which will include indigenous games delivered by teachers and AFL staff,” he said.

“We are really looking forward to delivering this program because it will have a positive impact, not just physically but mentally.

“It’s about respect, not just for yourself but for others as well.”

PHOTO: BEV LACEY NEW PROGRAM: Battling for possession of the ball are (from left) Felicity Ash (Dalby), Robert Ernst (Highfield), Isaac Halling (Dalby) and Theodore Baldock (Highfields). In 2018 the AFL will introduce a new school program designed to encourage and...