West Coast Eagles and BHP extend partnership for three years, with focus on boosting AFL in regional WA

Like thousands of country kids, Connor Riley-Hughes loves a kick of the footy and the rare opportunity to meet his AFL heroes. The 12-year-old budding star from Newman will live out a dream at Optus Stadium today where he tosses the coin with the West Coast and GWS captains before at quarter time, takes part in a race again the Eagles mascot and a virtual iron ore train displayed on the electronic fence advertising. “I was so pumped when I was told the Eagles were flying me down,” he said. Youth is very much the future on the field at West Coast but also in the club’s field work around the State, Eagles CEO Don Pyke said. It’s also at the heart of an extension to their long-running partnership with mining giant BHP. The 20-year arrangement has been renewed for a further three years with an emphasis on promoting football in the Pilbara and Goldfields. “The ability for young people to connect with players they see on TV, and actually see a pathway towards how they might get there themselves, is really important,” Eagles chief executive officer Don Pyke said. “Bringing someone like Connor in today helps kids envision a time where they might be one of these young men or women we draft.” It will also increase female football opportunities through an academy linked to the West Coast Eagles AFLW program, combining football pathways with education and personal development support. BHP Western Australia Iron Ore Asset President Tim Day said it was vital for WA’s sporting elite to embrace their regional connections. “These communities are very remote and far away from a lot of things,” he said. “Being able to bring in sport and football not only brings the kids in, it brings the parents and the wider community in as well. That cohesion and connectedness is really powerful.” Connor travelled to Perth on Friday with his father Tom, to attend this weekend’s AFL match. Mr Riley-Hughes described Connor as a devoted footy fan. “He kicks the footy for hours before and after school,” he said. “I have to ask him to come inside for bed.”