Touch Football Coaches to Visit Indigenous Communities

TouchWest and Garnduwa will visit indigenous communities north of Broome late this week, offering Touch Football coaching and resources in areas that might otherwise miss out on sport and recreation participation opportunities.

Aaron Appo – a Brisbane based indigenous coach and former National League representative, will visit One Arm Point, Djarindjin, Lombadina and Beagle Bay on Thursday and Friday, along with TouchWest State Manager Matt Bamford.

For four years, Appo and Bamford have combined to coach the Barbarians Men’s Open team at the National Touch League – both also being former players with the team.

Appo also oversaw the selection of indigenous Australian teams that toured New Zealand in 2008.

TouchWest has looked to provide opportunities to indigenous communities throughout WA, with State Manager Matt Bamford pleased to be able to work with Garnduwa to bring Touch Football to communities in the Kimberley.

“It’s great that Garnduwa are able to facilitate our involvement in Kimberley communities. Their support along with that of both the Department of Sport and Recreation and the Australian Sports Commission gives our sport far greater reach beyond Perth and major regional centres”, said Bamford.

Appo, originally from Darwin, is equally excited about the chance to visit the communities.

“I’ve had plenty of involvement with promising indigenous kids from all over Australia, and it’s fantastic that we have the chance to give indigenous people in some of Australia’s most remote locations the chance to play Touch Football”, says Appo.

The visits this week also come just ahead of the Grand Finals for the Broome Touch Association, taking place this Saturday at the BRAC Ovals.

Thanks to Matt Bamford for providing the article content.