In many remote communities across Western Australia, footy is more than just a game, it’s how people come together. Sport can help build trust and create moments of connection that go far beyond any oval, pitch or backyard.
For local police, those moments matter. When officers take to the field with local footy teams or hand out Crime Stoppers branded footballs to young players, it’s not just about sport or crime prevention, it’s about breaking down barriers and building relationships. Kids can start to see that behind the uniform is not something to be feared but someone who is on their team, playing their part to help tackle local issues and make life easier for those who live there.
Playing footy also teaches kids about fairness and following the rules. On the field, everyone knows the rules and the consequences if they are broken. Those lessons carry into life too – learning to play fair, taking responsibility for your actions, and looking out for others, which helps kids make good choices off the field as well.
“Footballs create opportunities for police to engage with kids in an environment where they respect what they’re told (on the field) and we can celebrate their successes with them when they kick a goal or take great marks,” explained Sergeant Andy Coen, Meekatharra Police.
After a dusty day kicking the footy, those kids will proudly take it home to show the rest of their family. Thanks to our partnership with Jim Kidd Sports and Burley Sekem, the personalised message on each ball – about respect and safely sharing information with Crime Stoppers – will remind families that speaking up can protect the whole community. Through the coppers’ connections it also signals that police are part of the community, to listen and support people and not just enforce the law.
In many walks of life, education and awareness can lead to greater understanding which in turn fosters tolerance and acceptance. If any kind of ball – whether it’s a football, basketball, netball or cricket ball – can contribute to positive interactions and learning from all sides, then it’s a great way to kick start this kind of engagement.
