Aspire to be Deadly - mentoring through hockey

Playing a sport can be fun but there is more to it when Cairns Hockey is in charge.

Through its Aspire to be Deadly program, the organisation is supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth to stay in school and learn important life principles.

Julie McNeil is Cairns Hockey General Manager.

‘We have Indigenous young women through the program that have graduated as doctors, emergency paramedics, youth support workers, fashion models and school support officers,’ Julie said.

‘Over 2000 young Indigenous participants have already been involved in the program of which 1900 plus are young women and girls.’

More than 40 schools in North Queensland are involved in the program.

Jess Fatnowna, an Aspire to be Deadly Youth Support Mentor, has seen big changes in the girls as they progress through the program.

‘Their attitude towards each other, the confidence that they carry and their manners change,’ Jess said.

‘Watching the girls grow up through the program is amazing. They have learned to work as a team and be kind to one another. They are also becoming leaders in the program and helping out the younger girls that come through.’

Stephanie Bonel, a Life Skills Mentor, said mentors play an important role in the program.

‘Mentoring is about positive strength-based relationships. New mentors work with existing mentors who model how to build and develop these crucial connections,’ Stephanie said.

‘Our greatest achievement will be when girls who have been in our Aspire team become mentors in the next few years and give back to younger players.’

Sawadu Tabuai is an Education Support Mentor.

‘Yesterday we were up at the Torres Strait on Horn Island for our annual Migi Kokan carnival,’ Sawadu said.

‘The Aspire kids took over umpiring a few games. It was good to see them participate and make memories with each other. The goal at the end of the program is that the girls can then use what they've been taught to mentor younger girls to keep the program going.’

Julie McNeil said the Aspire to be Deadly program has grown 20% or more since beginning in 2015. The growth is across both regional and remote community areas.

‘We believe this is due to the strong messaging – Live Well Learn Well Lead Well,’ she said.

‘It is also due to our mentors and Indigenous young female leaders and our commitment to high quality collaboration with our partners.’

‘More high schools are joining the program which reinforces the ability to support these Aspire students through their school journey.’

‘The respect being given to Aspire to be Deadly is also growing as a result of its results and the strength of its program development, delivery and most importantly, its people.’