Youngsters in Katanning proved they were streets ahead tonight as they kicked off a new Football West initiative.
Smarter Than Smoking Street Football hit the Great Southern town with around 30 teenagers and other young people showing off their close-ball skills at the Katanning Leisure Centre.
Football West Head of Development Jamie Harnwell was delighted with the turnout, especially on a cold, wet Monday night.
“It was great to see the launch of Street Football in Katanning and it’s a great avenue for kids to come out and kick a ball away from structured football,” Harnwell said.
Street Football is freestyle football and seen as a throwback to the days youngsters played unregulated matches in streets and parks. There is heavy emphasis on skill, technique and close control.
Players don’t need to register and can just turn up and play, with teams often 2v2 or 3v3. It is also a great way to engage youth from communities often lacking in resources, be they afterschool programs, youth engagement or adult mentors.
The Katanning program runs every Monday from tonight (May 28) until July 2.
It is being run through the assistance of the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries and will involve an ALDI MiniRoos Coaching Course on July 2.
“We’d like to thank the DLGSCI and all the local dignitaries, the people from the Shire who came to the opening night, it was a big success,” Harnwell added.
“And from what we saw there’s no shortage of football skill in the WA Police Force!”
Football West Inclusive Development Officers Elmi Ali and Gordon Duus were also at the launch.
Filed Under: Community News