Trainees kick-off coaching programs

Hedland V Swans have welcomed two school-based trainees Ashlee Ward, 16 and Shaquade Smith,17, to coach the Shooting and Kicking Goals programs.

The two year placement with the V Swans offers trainees significant coaching experience and a Certificate II in Sport and Recreation.

Year 11 student Ashlee Ward said she hoped the traineeship would help her improve her leadership skills so she could pursue a career in coaching.

“I get to help the classes with their netball skills, it’s building up my confidence to be a leader,” she said.

“I want to go into sport science and coaching after school, so hopefully this traineeship can lead me into that pathway.”

Year 12 Shaquade Smith encouraged other students to make the most of the opportunities presented to them in the V Swan program.

“I’ve been doing the V Swans program for two years; it’s helped me be more confident around crowds and giving speeches,” he said.

“It’s been good to help develop other kids and get that leadership experience.

“They help us as much as we help them to become better people.”

Hedland Kicking Goals coordinator Shane Beros congratulated Ashlee and Shaquade on securing traineeships with the V Swans.

“We have a short list of people we approach based on their commitment to the program, who they are as people and both these guys were at the top of the list,” he said.

“Shaquade has been a great mentor to the younger boys helping out with Auskick, his confidence has blossomed since last year and Ashlee will get there no doubt as well.

“They both help out in the community every week; putting a lot of the stuff they are learning into practice.

“We are very proud of their efforts.”

The Kicking and Shooting Goals initiative, delivered by V Swans with the support of BHP Billiton Iron Ore since 2007, is designed to encourage participation and increase attendance rates at Hedland Senior High School.