Todd Martin, Colin Cooper and Paul Bailey

Argyle Diamonds, East Kimberley

In 2007, eight keen football fans from East Kimberley schools went on a trip to Melbourne. They watched three AFL games, an Eagles training session and visited the Zoo. For the students, who were selected by their local schools, such an experience would not have been possible without the Little Aussie Legends football program.

In their own time, Todd, Colin and Paul run the clinics which started around two years ago. They enjoy interacting with the local kids who participate from both Jungdranung Remote Community School and Ngalangangpum School.

With over forty kids from both schools participating in the monthly clinics, they are keenly supported by Argyle Diamonds employees and other organisations in the region. Both Village and Wandari Argyle social clubs have been particularly supportive, providing sports equipment, picnic food and prizes.

To raise funds for the Kittle Aussie Legends clinics, Todd also recently applied for the “Dollars for Doers” program. Through the program, employees like Todd and Colin who volunteer in their own time can apply to the company for their volunteer organisation to receive a grant.

Another positive outcome of the project has been the improvement in school attendance during times when the clinics are held. For the students chosen to go to Melbourne, the selection criteria included good attendance, as well as interaction with other students, schoolwork and general behaviour. One local boy even followed Colin to school on his bike when he was told the clinic was taking place that day.

Colin has four kids of his own, and has previously been involved with coaching football, basketball and hockey. Todd, a security officer with Argyle diamonds, also has previous experience as a sports coach with the Hills Hawks under-fifteens football team. Their work developing the Little Aussie Legends program has not only brought great experiences to East Kimberley youth, but has also helped promote much-needed interaction with local Indigenous kids.