Former West Coast Eagles premiership player and Horizon Power ambassador Josh Kennedy bounced down in Esperance this week, sharing his footy knowledge and tips with local aspiring football stars at Esperance Oval.
The three-time All Australian and 2018 AFL premiership player hosted two training sessions with more than 60 high school students from Esperance Senior High School’s Clontarf Academy and STARS Foundation and Wongutha CAPS School.
Josh guided the students through a series of drills and lessons learned on and off the field throughout his career as an elite athlete.
Both schools run programs to support young aspiring footballers from Esperance and surrounding areas, helping them to hone their skills in the sport. Their programs feed into the West Australian Football Commission Talent & Development Programs, paving the way for a potential career in the AFL.
A Horizon Power ambassador since 2023, Kennedy shares our commitment to supporting and strengthening regional and remote communities, building vibrancy through hosting regular footy clinics.
Josh said he enjoys getting out to the regions and meeting with the rising stars.
“Being from a regional WA town myself, I know first-hand how hard it can be to get these types of activities in regional areas, so it’s great to be able to give the kids access to these opportunities,” he said.
“As Horizon Power’s ambassador, I’ve been lucky enough to run clinics in Broome, Carnarvon, and now Esperance. Just getting on the oval, kicking the footy with the kids and seeing how much they love it, is the real reward. The kids out here bring so much energy – it’s infectious. I’m just happy to be a small part of that.”
Kevin Johnson, Director of the Clontarf Academy at Esperance Senior High School said the regional football clinics were “important for fostering community engagement, promoting physical and mental well-being and providing pathways for talented young players”.
“There’s some great young talent in Esperance. The students don’t usually get to play with star AFL players, so to learn from a great role model like Josh Kennedy is a great opportunity for them.”
Our Acting Chief Executive Officer Krystal Skinner thanks Josh for the role he plays in the regions, actively engaging with our communities at a range of events and hosting these clinics which support the next generation of footballers.
“Josh Kennedy is known for his dedication to his sport and team spirit and has a strong connection to regional WA – which really aligns with our values at Horizon Power and our commitment to giving back to the regional and remote WA communities we service.”
Horizon Power acknowledges the Traditional Custodians throughout Western Australia and their continuing connection to the land, waters and community. We pay our respects to all members of the Aboriginal communities and their cultures; and to Elders past, present and emerging.
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