Fremantle have launched their inaugural We Are Freo Gala Day to celebrate Australia’s culturally diverse population through the use of football.
 
The We Are Freo program has been established by the Club to ensure that Australian Football and the Fremantle Dockers are a vehicle that encourages community strengthening and inclusion within the wider Australian community.
 
The program, which runs throughout term two and three of the school calendar, combines interactive classroom-based activities, online content and practical skill sessions to help strengthen the skills and knowledge required to play football.
 
In its second year, the program has branched out in 2022 with the establishment of a gala day, bringing together schools from across the state to participate.

A host of Fremantle’s AFLW stars were on hand to help deliver the gala day including captain Hayley Miller, vice captain Ange Stannett, Madi Scanlon, Dana East, Orlagh Lally and Mim Strom.
 
AFLW forward/ruck and Fremantle’s Fans and Community Program Coordinator Aine Tighe was also present and was a big driver of the planning and execution of the day.
 
“We have got kids from five different schools, about 220 kids in total, out on the oval today playing their first ever competitive games of footy,” Tighe said.
 
The kids are buzzing and are up and about so it’s very exciting!

“It shows how footy is a sport for all and that there is an opportunity and a place for all to get involved.
 
“Last year was the first year we ran this program, and we were lucky enough to get out to three or four schools and just really teach the kids the basics of footy.
 
“A lot of them had never played before and it was pretty new, so to be able to bring all those schools and kids together and celebrate their different cultures and journeys that they have travelled is also really exciting.”
 

Tighe said there was a clear and noticeable improvement in both skills and confidence throughout the course of the program, with the gala day providing the opportunity for students to showcase their newly acquired talents.
 
“Every week we go out to visit them in the classroom and the students are so keen to learn and get involved to give it a go,” Tighe said.
 
“The sportsmanship on display and seeing how well they work together even when they are on opposing teams is great to watch - we could learn a thing or two from it!
 
“We have noticed a big increase in those skills over just 12 months. From game to game, you can also see the kids growing in confidence and skill level.”