Pilbara Swans AFL program eyes young Hedland football talent as training begins

Local football’s rising stars took to Hedland Senior High School Oval last Thursday for their second week of training as part of the Pilbara Swans’ AFL development program. The initiative, which started in 2020 but was thwarted by COVID-19 restrictions, is off to a good start with a record number of young girls participating. Its focus is to equip young footballers with the basic skills and discipline to play in competitions with local teams. Organisers also use it to pick talent for potential opportunities with squads in Perth. Program co-ordinator, Hedland Red vice-president and local women’s coach Adrian Fahey said he had seen an outstanding number of young girls taking to the field for training. Mr Fahey said despite AFL being a serious local sport the program allowed young people to have fun while learning essential game skills. “At this age group, before they join a club and before things get serious, it’s working on their skills and we can have fun while they do that,” he said. Mr Fahey said he praised the support of volunteers for the program, which is still in it’s infancy, and encouraged more young people to give it a go. “It’s good that we get a lot of volunteer support for it because it is a free program,” he said. “For training, you don’t need to be a member or anything, you can just give it a go. “Everyone comes together and pitches in, this one is all about the kids.” Players who want to get involved in local competitions are expected to start training in March, with opportunies to travel to Karratha for play. Training runs Tuesday and Thursday night each week at Hedland Senior High School Oval.