Football West Indigenous soccer ambassadors become role models for youngster in the Pilbara

Two young Indigenous ambassadors for WA’s governing body for soccer say coaching has taught them how to be role models for youngsters in the Pilbara. The Football West Aboriginal Health program aims to engage Indigenous communities through soccer and promote the message of healthy living, and get more Aboriginal people playing soccer. Football West sports development officer Sarthak Mishra said it was important to empower future leaders. “It’s very crucial the upcoming generation is adequately equipped and empowered to deliver these programs because it’s always good to have emerging leaders,” he said. “We are trying to identify more young boys and girls who can inspire other Indigenous kids to come up and play football in the Pilbara.” Football West Indigenous ambassador and Ngarluma man Braiden Irwin said the program had taught him how to be a role model. “So far it’s taught me to become a better person and I’ve also had people come up to me and say they looked up to me,” he said. “It’s pointed me towards the right path.” Fellow Indigenous ambassador James Dixon said he wanted to be someone young people could look up to.