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Footy goes to jail

  • Wednesday, September 05 2007 @ 08:06 am ACST
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  • Views: 3,430
Africa

Aussie Rules competitions all around the world, including in Australia, often struggle to find enough umpires. Perhaps we haven't been looking in the right places. In another example of innovation in growing Australian Football, AFL South Africa (North West Province) is commencing a program of delivering training in the coaching, umpiring and playing of footy into four correctional centres - Klerksdorp, Christiana, Wolmaranstad and Potchefstroom. No one doubts that the country faces many large challenges as its economy and people continue to overcome the legacy of apatheid and the weight of HIV/AIDS. But it does so with a strong sense of energy and reconciliation, and clearly this extends to its correctional system which has a policy of rehabilitating inmates.



The signing of the agreement between AFLSA and the regional Department of Correctional Services.

On August 3rd AFL South Africa began a partnership that will give both officials and those in custody the skills to become involved in Australian Football. July Machethe (North West Provincial Development Manager) said they hope "to train 20 coaches, 20 umpires and 200 players by the end of 2007 and we will create competitions opportunities for inmates to play with community footy clubs. In that way we will be contributing into the rehabilitation process of the inmates and providing them with an opportunity to socialize with community people so the day they come out they will be accepted by the community. AFL South Africa - North West will make sure that this program is implemented and that it brings positive change into South Africa’s nation building, our country need(s) change".

Full story at aflsouthafrica.org.