Essendon has returned to the Tiwi Islands for an impactful four-day community trip.
AFLW Senior Coach Natalie Wood, players Steph Wales and Maddi Gay, as well as staff members Kristen Bull (strategy), Michaela Long (The Long Walk) and Scott Di Stefano (digital) all headed north this week to spend time with and support the Club’s community pillars on the Islands.
A focus on social impact through education has fuelled much of Essendon’s community activity in recent months, shown in a relationship with Xavier Catholic College, where the Club partners with AFLNT to teach Personal Leadership educational content and football skills to students.
As well as increasing school attendance and engagement through football, the visit also looked to connect with future talent and develop local Coaches, following on from last year’s Tiwi Coaching Exchange at the NEC Hangar.
The visit saw clinics conducted with different schools in the communities of Wurrimiyanga, Pirlangimpi and Milikapiti, mixing theory sessions with practical football coaching despite some adverse weather conditions across the four days.
Essendon also provided merchandise giveaways within the community as part of other social activities throughout the trip.
In addition to their time in Tiwi, the Club also spent time back in Darwin to observe the AFLNT U16 and U18 girls Talent Squads in training at TIO Stadium, even running a Q&A with players in Maddi Gay and Steph Wales.
In total, the Bombers engaged with over 30 coaches and over 100 students across the trip, assisting with football skills and education more broadly.
The incredibly unique talent within the Northern Territory, and the Club’s proud association with the Tiwi Bombers – especially in the successes of past players such as Michael Long, Dean Rioli and Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti – has served as a motivator to stay connected with these communities in recent years.
