The Adelaide Crows Foundation is taking its successful STEMFooty program to schools across regional South Australia this school term, with Roxby Downs the latest stop on the tour.
Former AFLW player, current AFLW assistant coach and STEM Football Programs Coordinator Marijana Rajcic is heading up the program delivery, supported by current AFLW players Niamh Kelly, Eloise Jones and Caitlin Gould.
Last week, 40 students from Roxby Downs Area School and 20 from St Barbara’s Parish School took part in the program thanks to BHP, co-major partner of the Crows AFLW team.
Through BHP’s support for STEMFooty, the Club is able to reach schools in Roxby Downs and the Upper Spencer Gulf Region, with visits also scheduled for Port Pirie and Whyalla in the coming weeks.
The STEMFooty program runs for 10 weeks within school curriculums and uses football principles to teach students about science and maths.
The interactive program taps into students’ love of AFL and incorporates the game’s fundamentals with learning outcomes.
The program has also recently been delivered to Year 7 students on the Eyre Peninsula and APY Lands.
A former schoolteacher, Rajcic said it was fantastic to be able to take the program to regional communities.
“We are excited to be able to deliver STEMFooty to so many kids in regional and rural communities this year,” Rajcic said.
“During Covid, it was difficult to get out to regional communities as much as we would have liked, but now we’re able to get out there and show them that you can have fun playing footy and you can also learn something.
“The fantastic thing about the program is that it connects learning with something so many students love.”
Asset President Olympic Dam Jenny Purdie said BHP was delighted to support the delivery of the program.
“As an engineer by trade, I am passionate about getting the next generation interested in STEM,” Purdie said.
“STEM-related jobs and skills are growing in demand, and lead to rewarding, fascinating and diverse careers, including at companies like BHP.
“Through BHP’s partnership with the Adelaide Crows, we are proud to support the delivery of the STEMfooty program in our local community, Roxby Downs.”
While in Roxby Downs, the Adelaide Crows Foundation also delivered a BHP Crows Community Clinic for local boys and girls aged between 8-12.
Through BHP’s support for the STEMFooty program, the Adelaide Football Club is hoping to see 3,000+ school children across the state this year.