Former West Coast Eagles premiership player and three-time All-Australian, Josh Kennedy was in the Kimberley last week sharing his knowledge with some of the State’s rising football stars in his new role as a Horizon Power ambassador.
Kennedy, who retired last year after a stellar AFL career spanning 17 years, met with up-and-coming footballers aged between 13 and 16 at the Kimberley Spirit training session in Broome on June 8.
Earlier in the day, Kennedy also visited Beagle Bay on the Dampier Peninsula, running footy drills and speaking to students from Sacred Heart School, as part of Garnduwa’s Active Leaders Program.
Kennedy said the opportunity to engage with young footballers from remote communities through his new ambassador role at Horizon Power was “awesome”.
“The joy and inspiration these programs and footy clinics give to the youth and wider community is nourishing for me, and being able to play a role in that is something I never take for granted,” he said.
“Growing up in and having plenty of mates and family in regional communities — I know firsthand they can often be overlooked in so many areas.
“It’s one of the main reasons I decided to partner with Horizon Power, because they are driven and committed to investing in important infrastructure, utilities, services and engagement within regional communities.”
Garnduwa chief executive Michael Albert said the organisation always welcomed the chance to work with role models and for their young aspiring footballers.
“Josh Kennedy is a favourite in the Kimberley and throughout the regions so to have him here interacting with the kids is a fantastic opportunity,” he said.
Horizon Power’s Customer and Community executive general manager Krystal Skinner said she was delighted Kennedy had joined the Horizon Power family.
“Josh Kennedy is a positive role model, known for his dedication and team spirit,” she said.
“He also lives regionally with a strong connection with the communities, which really aligns with our focus on supporting and giving back to our remote and regional WA communities.”
Garnduwa’s Kimberley Spirit Program is the leading football talent pathway for young aspiring footballers from the Kimberley region, feeding into the West Australian Football Commission Talent and Development Programs.