Fremantle’s successful partnership with WA Police is now in its third year of helping WA Police Academy Recruits and Cadets to enhance their connection with the communities where they will work.

The first cohort of WA Police Cadets for 2023 recently completed their Foundation Level AFL Coaching Accreditation in collaboration with Fremantle and the West Australian Football Commission. Through the power of sport, these 64 Cadets will be able to enhance their involvement within their local communities to build relationships with young people as part of a greater strategy to boost school attendance and reduce local crime.

Fremantle and WA Police first started the Cadet program in 2021, holding a coaching accreditation program for 80 Aboriginal Police Cadets.

Fremantle AFLW & Community Coaching Director Cam Shepherd said the program was a continuing success.

“In conjunction with the WA Police force, we bring the cadets in, and we go through the process of getting them accredited with the Foundation Level AFL coaching accreditation” Shepherd said.

“This means they can go to the communities and schools when they graduate and feel really comfortable while building bonds with the local youth in both the regions and in the metropolitan area by engaging with local schools and football clubs in a support capacity. 

“The three main things we teach for when they go into their roles are to be well organised and prepared, that they care about their communities, that they're fair and most importantly, have fun.

“This is driven by both Fremantle and WA Police and it's really important as it gives some real value back to the community.

“Through this work, if we can get one boy or girl back in school, that's a great result.”

One Cadet going through the program was Carla Stagg, who also plays in the WAFLW for West Perth.

Stagg said she took a lot from the program.

“I’m absolutely loving it, being here for a partnership between the Fremantle Dockers and the WA Police Cadets program,” Stagg said.

“We’ve done some physical activity and some mental health work. We've completed our Foundation Level coaching which is a really beneficial opportunity for us.

“It’s so good to have this type of program with the WA Police and Dockers, especially that I'm a Fremantle supporter as well. Not many people get this opportunity and I'm really thankful.”