WAFC and Rio Tinto Team Up for Indigenous Youth Football Scholarships

A group of exceptional young athletes have been named as part of the 2023 Rio Tinto Indigenous Youth Football Scholarship Program.

Eighteen recipients, two males and two females from nine WAFL clubs, have been awarded a $5000 Rio Tinto scholarship which can be put towards football, study or other practical needs to help make life a little easier during the season.

The program has been running for two years and focuses on several key objectives.

To increase the number of leadership opportunities for young Indigenous people in both the football and mining industries in WA, provide greater support to Indigenous male and female footballers from regional areas, and offer mentorship from within the WA football community in support of mentees’ football, education and life goals.

Each of the 18 players has been assigned a mentor whose responsibilities include :

• Supporting the players as they navigate balancing their lives outside of their football commitments.
• Providing advice and guidance on work performance, professional expectations, plus health and wellbeing.
• Building strong relationships with participants and supporting their personal growth and cultural identity.

The following players have been awarded Rio Tinto Indigenous Youth Scholarships:

Claremont Football Club

Harmony Bellotti

Preston Patrick

East Fremantle Football Club

Kaylee Fisher

Will Anderson

East Perth Football Club

Lilliya Lwoy

Lewis Nannup

Peel Thunder Football Club

Kaydence Ryder

Jack Spence

Perth Football Club

Mahalia Rukuata

Coen Livingstone

South Fremantle Football Club

Tiara Hodgson

Tama Oakley

Subiaco Football Club

Kaiya Paull

Malakai Champion

Swan Districts Football Club

Kailea Thomas

Anthony Hansen

West Perth Football Club

Jekylah Garlett

Tyrell Bropho