Multicultural Schools Program

The Fremantle Dockers We Are Freo program was established to use Australian Rules Football as a vehicle that encourages community strengthening and inclusion within the wider Australian community. The Fremantle Dockers AFL multicultural strategy focuses on developing programs to increase engagement, participation, talent and social outcomes. The program's objective is to provide AFL football opportunities and pathways for students in schools across the state with large multicultural populations.

Key Focus

  • Making AFL accessible for students by building an understanding of the key skills, rules and language used in the game.
  • Transitioning students into a player or fan of the sport through positive football experiences and by building a connection to our Club, our culture, our players and their unique stories.

Gala Day

The Gala day is an opportunity for students to showcase their learning over the course of the program and for many to take part in their first competitive games of AFL. It is also an opportunity for students to learn about and hear from some of our Fremantle Dockers players who come from different cultures and backgrounds and can act as role models for the next generation of AFL and AFL Women’s players.

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We Are Freo Gala Day 2023!

Fremantle recently held the annual We Are Freo gala day to celebrate inclusivity and culturally diverse populations through the use of football

It is a wonderful program to be part of, our kids enjoyed every moment of it. There was a good balance of both classroom and practical lessons. Being part of the program allowed the students to confidently build their skills and knowledge of the game and this showed in the last session where they took part in games and in the Gala day. The Gala day itself was amazing! I loved how inclusive it was especially the showcasing of the cultural tables.

- Nuria Ushoroff (Australian Islamic College Kewdale)

PROGRAM OUTLINE

We are Freo is conducted over six sessions in terms two and three for primary school students in years five and six at schools with a high multicultural student population.

A maximum of four classes from each selected school participating can be accommodated.

REGISTER

SESSION 1: Teacher to deliver in class via online platform. Introduce the program and build excitement and anticipation for AFL. 

SESSION 2: Fremantle Dockers staff to deliver practical session onsite. Introduce basic skills of AFL.

SESSION 3: Fremantle Dockers staff to deliver interactive classroom-based session onsite. Develop understanding of terminology, positions, roles and rules of AFL.

SESSION 4: Teacher to deliver in class via online platform. Reinforce the learning of skills, terminology, positions, roles and rules and build connection with Fremantle Dockers players who come from different multicultural backgrounds.

SESSION 5: Fremantle Dockers staff to deliver practical session Reinforce learning of skills, terminology, positions, roles and rules of AFL on field.

SESSION 6 - Intraschool Tournament: Students compete in an AFL game with modified rules where they get the opportunity to showcase their knowledge and understanding of the game delivered by Fremantle Dockers staff.

We Are Freo Gala Day Cultural Celebration - Year 6 students Culminating Event: Students participate in our We Are Freo Gala Day at Fremantle Dockers HQ where they get to take part in a cultural celebration event whilst playing modified AFL games.