MANDURAH man Barry Lawrence is spearheading an initiative to educate and employ young indigenous men through football.
Footy Means Business is a program aimed at reviving both the on-field and off-field aspirations of 18 to 23-year-old aboriginal men.
“Some of the young blokes come to us from really strong cultures and others from places where the culture doesn’t run as deep; most tend to be quite shy and quiet at the start,”
- Barry Lawrence
Lawrence, the head coach of the program, mentors the young men by passing on lessons through his experience in football.
“Footy Means Business takes talented aboriginal men who have strayed from the path of footy at some point in their lives,” he said.
“From there, we try to show them that life doesn’t have to be as bad as they think it is – we want them to come away with a positive mindset.”
The program encompasses two eight-day camps, the first of which was held in Darwin in March.
It helps to educate participants in their culture and give them avenues of employment, while sharpening their football skills through games and training sessions.
“Some of the young blokes come to us from really strong cultures and others from places where the culture doesn’t run as deep; most tend to be quite shy and quiet at the start,” Lawrence said.
“But after a few days they start to shine a bit more and they walk away with their heads held high.
“That’s the most rewarding part.”
Lawrence said the program had flourished since garnering support and sponsorship from Rio Tinto.
“With the WA Football Commission, Rio Tinto and AFL House all working together, the program has gone from strength to strength,” he said.
During the Darwin camp, participants got the chance to play against other aspiring stars currently competing on the television show The Recruit.
The program also benefits Lawrence’s coaching aspirations, giving him the chance to coach alongside former AFL players like Aaron Davies and Shannon Motlop.
Currently the Peel Thunder opposition analysis coordinator, Lawrence harbours dreams of becoming of a fully fledged league coach.
“The program is really driving me and giving me experience as a mentor, so it works both ways,” he said.
“I was offered the job in Footy Means Business the same day I accepted my position with Peel, but fortunately they work out and I get the best of both worlds.
“Peel has been incredibly supportive of my work in this role and Cam Shepherd has been a huge mentor for me.”
The second camp held by Footy Means Business will take place in May.
