Two of Millner Primary School’s teachers have come to the helping hand of a number of their disadvantaged and special needs students to ensure they are able to participate in the Thunder AFL Juniors Program.
Margaret Moon and Elspeth Hurse have taken it upon themselves to assist and consult with students and their families to ensure they can raise sufficient money to enable them to play in Thunder Juniors Competition with the Millner Tigers in the dry season.
"We have been able to assist these families by consulting with them and Elspeth has worked out payment plans to ensure they meet the financial commitment to allow their children to play," said Margaret Moon who is an English as a Second Language (ESL) Teacher at Millner Primary.
"We understand the importance and benefits of social inclusion of these children when they are able to participate in a team sport like AFL, so we want to provide these kids with every possibility to do so."
"Elspeth has taken on an extra role in supporting and organising these children so they can partake in structured football like every other child," said AFLNT Top End Game Development Manager Wayne Walsh.
AFLNT have donated a pair of football boots to a number of the kids who have shown they are committed to the program.
"The extra commitment and dedication of Margaret and Elspeth is awe inspiring, and to date they have 12 children confirmed and signed up and are working to get more."
"AFLNT are willing to work in conjunction with other schools and community groups to further opportunities for all participants aged between 8-12 years," said Walsh.
The Millner teachers could not be happier with the commitment of AFLNT toward their cause.
"AFLNT, and in particular Wayne, have been so supportive through providing children and families the opportunity to stagger payments and the kids are looking forward to receiving their new boots," said Margaret."
AFLNT Game Development staff along with Millner Primary will make a presentation of a pair of boots and kit to each of the participants involved with this program this morning at the Millner Primary School Family Group Class – Family Day which occurs at least once every term.
"Engaging families in the school has been proven to enhance student learning and enables families to see and experience first hand the great work the AFL team are doing at Millner as well," said Margaret.
Thunder Juniors is for boys and girls aged 9 to 12 years – for more information and for club training times please contact AFLNT on 8980 4851