PFA Chief Executive Brendan Schwab and Woolworths Logistics Executive Ron Caithness joined PFA President Simon Colosimo, PFA Executive member Kevin Muscat and Melbourne Heart footballer John Aloisi, to announce a new partnership supporting the PFA Heroes school mentoring program in 2010/11.
The partnership in Victoria will see Woolworths provide support for the eight lesson mentoring program, which utilises the power of football to teach values to Australian school children. Endorsed by the Victorian Government Department of Education, and Early Childhood Development, the curriculum leverages players own personal experiences in the game to highlight the importance of respect, fair play, teamwork, playing by the rules and leadership.
Footballer and mentor, Kevin Muscat, was delighted to have Woolworths’ support for this PFA community initiative.
“Having Woolworths join us in engaging Australian communities through this program is a big boost for the players,” he said. “This commitment shows that Woolworths is serious about the development of Australia’s next generation of workers and I know our players are in a great position to assist with this challenge. I’m looking forward to working with Woolworths to positively influence the lives of Australian school children,” said Muscat.
PFA President Simon Colosimo spoke of his experience as a mentor in the Heroes program.
“I have been touched by the relationships Heroes fosters in participating schools,” he said. “By spending a number of sessions with the students, a level of trust develops between us and it enables both players and students to learn in a unique environment. It has been an honour to be part of their school community and I am looking forward to hosting the class at our club next week to give them a feel for the commitment it takes to succeed as a professional athlete,” said Colosimo.
Hume Central Secondary College, Keysborough Secondary College and John Fawkner Secondary College are the participating schools. In week nine the program culminates with the We Can Be Heroes Festival, an event designed and managed by Heroes students for their school community.
Woolworths Regional Logistics Manager, Kon Tzimokas , said, “The Heroes Program is a fantastic opportunity for Woolworths to support the health and wellbeing of young people in communities local to our Distribution Centres. It is important for students to have positive role models, so that they have every opportunity to actively contribute to their communities and reach their potential in career pathways.”
