Eagles kick goals on AFL Pilbara visit

The Newman Senior High School Kicking Goals and Shooting Goals program had a successful first event of the year.

As reported in last week's _North West Telegraph _, on Thursday, February 6, the school was visited by West Coast Eagles forward Josh Kennedy and midfielder Chris Masten.

V Swans regional development manager for East Pilbara Dan Smith said visits from professional sportsmen and sportswomen were an integral part of the program.

"The boys took charge in the Kicking and Shooting Goals classes," he said.

"Kennedy took half the kids for a goal-kicking drill while Masten took the other half and played a handballing game with them.

"Even with the heat the boys handled it all really well and the kids had a ball."

After completing the workshops outside, Kennedy and Masten visited an upper school design and technology class where they spoke to students about goal setting and fielded questions about what it was like to be an Eagles player.

Smith said during the visit the players took time out to help with fundraising.

"When the day finished (at the school) the Kicking Goals and Shooting Goals kids, along with some helpful teachers and volunteers, met down at the local shopping centre to hold a fundraising event to raise money for the program's incentive trips," he said.

"The students sold raffle tickets with an Eagles jumper signed by Chris Lewis, Peter Matera and David Hart as first prize, second prize was a signed football by Kennedy and Masten, and third prize was a signed Eagles scarf by Kennedy and Masten.

"There was also a silent auction with many memorabilia items, which continued on that evening at two other venues.

"The Eagles boys joined the kids at the venues and encouraged people to buy tickets or put their name down for the auction, whilst also having a chat to the crowd and fans, taking photos and signing autographs."

With all raised funds matched by BHP Billiton, approximately $20,000 was raised.

"Everyone loved having Josh and Chris come up and visit, they were great with the students and with the fans," Smith said.