The Caboolture Lions JAFC has been proud to partner with the Queensland Department of Communities in 2012 to deliver the LEAP program.
The Learning, Earning Active Place strategy program aims to deliver targeted sport and recreation activities to address barriers to participation in active and healthy lifestyle choices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander members of the community.
In implementing the program, the club has been able to offer 15 scholarships for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders kids to play footy with the Caboolture Lions in 2012.
Earlier this year, participants in the program as well as other juniors from the area were given the opportunity to play half-time little league at the Gabba during the Brisbane Lions Indigenous Round clash with the Greater Western Sydney Giants.
In June the club also participated in an indigenous gala day held at Centenary Lakes.
The NAB AFL Auskick inflatable playground was a huge hit with the kids on the day. Former-AFL player Anthony Corrie was also present to help promote the LEAP program, donating a pair of football boots in the colours of the Aboriginal flag to be given away to one of the Caboolture Lions scholarship holders.
As finals approach, the Lions scholarship holders are playing out their season with various teams, learning and improving their skills while having a ball every weekend.
A parent of one of the scholarship students said that Caboolture had been the perfect environment to foster the program.
“It’s a great club and Dennis (Long) is a great coach and inspiration to all of the kids. My son is actually up early and keen to go to footy,” he said.
The Caboolture Lions JAFC will most to their new state-of-the-art facilities at the Burpengary Aquatic Centre precinct in 2013 and look forward to making the LEAP program a great opportunity for Indigenous and Torres Strait Islander kids for many years into the future.
