Members of Fremantle’s community team, headlined by NGA Coach Roger Hayden and Community Coaching Coordinator Cam Shepherd, spent three days in the Pilbara assisting Woodside to put on some football clinics and coaching workshops throughout the region.

Over three days, they went to Port Hedland, Roebourne and Karratha visiting schools and community centres.

As well as directly running clinics with the youth throughout the Pilbara, the coaching workshops focused on upskilling WA Police officers to gain AFL Coaching Accreditation and hold their own clinics.

“We’ve travelled to the Pilbara as a part of a workshop with Woodside and the WA Football Commission to get into the community and build our relationships in the north west,” Shepherd said.

“It’s really important to the Club from a community point of view.

“We’ve worked with WA Police to help them build relationships and gain trust particularly with the 10 to 18 years olds, so through football and gaining AFL coaching accreditation, the police men and women can go to the schools or community clubs and not just be the blue suit.”

Shepherd said it was great having Hayden profile and coaching experience on the trip.

“Roger is always really well known and well received up north,” Shepherd said

“He’s been a great help particularly with the drills. He’s has such a high profile so it’s worked really well.

“In both our men’s and women’s programs we want to make sure that the game is really growing and that starts with developing coaches.”

Hayden said Fremantle’s regional visits were some of the most enjoyable aspects of his job.

“It’s been great getting back up here and being involved with the community, it’s something I really enjoy,” Hayden said.

“It’s important to give community coaches a different lens on how to approach coaching young kids and give them the skillset that’s going to help them develop, flourish and enjoy playing football.”