West Australian Football

Kids get life kicks from role models

WHEN Nick Naitanui is not rucking Swan Districts or the WA under-18s to victory, the likeable young man with the big smile and curly locks can be found at the Darling Range Sports College in Forrestfield. As part of his off-field development, Naitanui spends two days a week conducting coaching clinics with the students. Formerly the Forrestfield High School, the DRSC caters for all kids in all sports and offers specialist sporting programs to talented athletes wishing to combine their educational and sporting endeavours. The college has a close relationship with both Swans and the Kicks 4 Kidz Program. Naitanui assists college sports director Greg Maynard, who last year introduced the Reconciliation Cup in which Year 8 football and netball teams play in a competition involving four other schools where children have to earn the right to play, and are encouraged with equipment from Rod Willet, director of the Kicks 4 Kidz Program. Naitanui combines his passion for football with work at Slater-Gartrell Sports and is studying media at university. ‘‘Nick’s youth, high profile and the opportunities that lay before him demonstrate to our students that with hard work and dedication they can aspire to play AFL,’’ DRSC principal Peter Noack said. Former West Coast Eagle Chris Lewis, an ambassador for Kicks 4 Kidz, also visits the college. Kicks 4 Kidz, the brainchild of Subiaco premiership player Willet, collects football and netball equipment for kids in the Pilbara and the Kimberley. ‘‘I was born in Sydney and my Mum and Dad moved to Midland when I was two and I grew up playing rugby and basketball,’’ Natanui said. ‘‘Finding a good job was very important to me because I was never as good as the other kids.’’ To donate to the Kicks 4 Kidz Program, contact Rod Willet on 0411 550776 or at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Look out for collection boxes at WAFL clubs,WA Netball, The Sunday Times, Print Image, Challenge Stadium and Floreat Sport Specialists.