V Swans New Horizons Program a Success
31 Oct, 2011
THE V Swans New Horizons Program is being hailed a success with 36 participants completing the program in its inaugural year.
The program, led by ex-West Coast Eagle Peter Matera and ex-Swan Districts player Danny Penny, is a personal development program which provides members of the Wooroloo Prison Farm pathways to football, education and career opportunities.
In 2011, participants of the program competed in the WA Amateur Football League’s E1 Division under the Swan Districts banner, finishing the season in top position and narrowly losing the Grand Final.
Each participant of the program completed their Level 1 AFL Youth Coach Accreditation and received further personal development seminars on topics such as drug and alcohol awareness and nutrition and healthy eating.
V Swans Program Manager Danny Penny said that the participants are a group of men with structure, focus and commitment.
“They are now positive role models for those around them sharing their knowledge and being real leaders amongst their peers.” He said
“Their vast development and growth has been a reward for the hard work and commitment they have displayed in applying themselves to the program”.
Five participants of the program have since been released on parole and are receiving ongoing assistance and mentoring from V-Swans during the transition process.
V Swans are liaising with the Wooroloo Prison Employment Program and Integrated Workforce to create ongoing pre-release training and employment opportunities.
The Swan Districts Football Club is also considering placing a participant as a V-Swans trainee.
