Sixteen aspiring Young Leaders from Glenelg Shire Council ventured to Melbourne recently for an intensive weekend camp as part of The Whitten Project.

The second and final Melbourne camp for the year provided a variety of high value practical and theory based activities designed to challenge and develop leadership, communication and team work skills.

Saturday began with the group attending the Western Bulldogs final training session for the season at Victoria University Whitten Oval, providing a unique opportunity for Young Leaders to casually interact with the playing squad and chat about their program experiences.

Rising stars Marcus Bontempelli and Luke Dahlhaus were the pick of the litter, with the young group eager to get their autographs and wish them well for the remainder of the season.

The afternoon saw the group complete a Level 1 AFL Coaching Course delivered by AFL Victoria Western Region Development Manager Tom Delahunty. The nationally recognised qualification equips young people with the skills, knowledge and confidence to teach AFL Football at a junior level and it is expected that the group will capitalise on this experience to gain casual and/or part-time employment in their local communities.

Day two began with an early morning visit to Channel Seven’s Docklands studios for a behind the scenes look at a live filming of AFL Game Day.  Between segments the young people had the chance to speak with hosts Hamish McLaughlin, Cameron Ling and Jude Bolton as well as special guests Jarryd Roughead and Andrew Mackie about all things football and The Whitten Project

The group then made the short journey to Etihad Stadium where, fresh from completing their coaching course the previous day, delivered a pre-game footy clinic for over 50 eager primary school students from Williamstown Primary School prior to the Western Bulldogs vs. Sydney Swans Round 22 clash. The Young Leaders’ leadership, communication and teamwork throughout the clinic was outstanding, with many observers mentioning how capable, courteous and enthusiastic the group was.

The weekend’s activities did not end there; with the group participating in the pre-game fan engagement activity “Mission Minute” which required competitors to mark footballs shot 50 meters into the air from a ball machine. Young Leader Eamon Crossley successfully marked all three attempts including the last one handed!

The Glenelg Shire Council based Whitten Project concluded with a Graduation style ceremony at Portland Golf Club on Monday 15^th September that recognised Young Leaders’ contributions to the program throughout 2014.