Pinjarra Football Academy (PFA) students from Pinjarra Senior High School recently enjoyed the ultimate football experience.
Taking part in a unique football and cultural tour, year 9 and 10 students travelled to Melbourne for five days to get a behind-the-scenes look at the Australian Football League (AFL) industry.
Students watched four AFL games over the five-day trip and particularly enjoyed the Richmond and Collingwood blockbuster at the home of AFL, the Melbourne Cricket Ground, on Friday night.
Students also had the opportunity to participate in club and change room tours of Richmond Football Club led by former Pinjarra Senior High School student and Tiger legend Kamdyn McIntosh, and Collingwood Football Club led by Magpie great Simon Prestigiacomo.
To highlight to the students how a number of different industries link with the AFL, they then joined a live TV audience for the filming of Channel 7's Game Day show on Sunday morning.
As well as all things footy, students toured famous Melbourne landmarks including the Eureka Tower, Federation Square, Melbourne Park and took in some street culture with a lane way art tour of the city.
Student Cole Agnew said the trip provided a special chance for the team to bond.
"The PFA Melbourne trip was a really great experience for all the boys," he said.
"I personally enjoyed the MCG tour and the tours of Richmond and Collingwood football clubs.
"I will hold onto these memories forever as this was a trip of a lifetime."
The Pinjarra Football Academy program has been in operation at Pinjarra Senior High School since 2008 and aims to engage and motivate students through their interest in Australian rules football.
The goal of the program is to develop the students during their middle school years into self-motivated, disciplined individuals.
It is hoped that they then develop into leaders within the school, local community and on the football field.
Adrian Toh is from Pinjarra Senior High School.
