By Helena Adeloju
The new Cardinia Young Leaders Program is offering young people from 15 to 17 years old the opportunity to be mentored by Richmond Football Club defender Steven Morris.
Described as “completely fearless,” Morris has overcome several serious injuries and setbacks throughout his career to become a reliable small defender for the Tigers.
Morris, who has played 86 AFL games for Richmond and been a member of the club’s leadership team, said he is excited by the prospect of being able to help Cardinia’s young people to become actively engaged as young citizens.
“Being able to combine my passions for sport and personal development, I hope to work with keen young leaders to develop their skills and support their local clubs,” Morris said.
Program participants will work directly with local sporting clubs to encourage and facilitate a healthy sporting environment.
They will also be offered funded positions in accredited training programs such as pool lifeguard, teaching swimming and customer service, with a view to developing the next group of staff to work within Cardinia leisure facilities.
Morris said his childhood in a sporting family always reminded him of how important footy, netball and basketball clubs can be.
“Through this program we will make them even better places for young people to enjoy,” Morris said.
From April, participants will meet regularly with Morris to learn from him and other experienced leaders.
They will also be exposed to leadership development programs including mindfulness, personality profiles, public speaking and teamwork.
Richmond Football Club Consumer Strategy and Engagement Manager Shane Dunne said the program will be rolled out with the help of Cardinia Shire Council and offered to up to 15 young people.
He said Richmond Football Club had been exploring ways that it could support residents since it moved into the shire.
“The program is aimed at getting to the kids and working with the future leaders of sporting clubs,” Mr Dunne said.
Applications for the program must be received by Thursday 30 March.
Visit http://cardinialeisure.com.au/leadership-development for more information.
