Mandurah footy coach Barry Lawrence spearheads program to grow Australian rules internationally

Run by the AFL, the program will fly the Boomerangs, a team made up of Australia’s best 15-year-old Aboriginal footballers, out to Fiji this Saturday as they look to the spread the game to overseas countries.

The squad will play an exhibition game against a Fijian side, before attending the 2017 Oceania Cup final to help promote Aussie rules.

Lawrence will be at the head of the drive, having coached the Boomerangs program for more than a year.

The Peel Thunder assistant coach said it was an exciting time for the AFL as they continue to grow the game in foreign countries.

“Promoting the game outside of Australia is obviously really important, and it’s great that our Boomerangs boys get to be part of the game and engage with people outside of their culture,” Lawrence said.

“They also went to China as part of the Port Adelaide and Gold Coast game and got to help spread the game there as well.

“It’s good for them to just experience these trips, but the fact that we have a job there to help promote our game brings out a bit of a passion.

“They all love their footy, and now they’re giving back to the sport as well.”

The Boomerangs squad is picked on the back a national carnival, along with a World Team made up of the country’s best multicultural players.

The program helps players develop skills off the field, and prepares them for a shot of the AFL through the national draft.

“We do mock interviews with the boys and help them get everything they need as they make their way to the draft,” Lawrence said.

“It’s all about building their skills and also their confidence, so if and when the time comes they’re ready for the AFL.”

Visit aflcommunityclub.com.au to find out more about the program.