The First Nations Sport and Recreation Program has kicked off at Bundaberg PCYC to increase the physical activity levels of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth in the Bundaberg Region.
Bundaberg Regional Council Sport and Recreation portfolio spokesperson Cr Carmen McEneany said Council had engaged Bundaberg PCYC to deliver the Queensland Government funded program.
“The program runs over two six-week blocks, with touch football and basketball coaching provided alongside cultural mentoring opportunities,” Cr McEneany said.
“Council secured the funding through the Queensland Government’s First Nations Sport and Recreation Program in 2023 and has engaged the PCYC to deliver it.”
The first session kicked off last week with a cultural dance and smoking ceremony by Blackman Lifestyle Solutions before the teens enjoyed a fun touch football coaching session.
The touch football skills sessions will help the First Nations youth work towards team selection to attend PCYC Queensland’s annual Bunburra Beach Touch Football competition on the Gold Coast in June.
The second block of the program will provide a further six weeks of coaching from Wednesday 30 April.
The PCYC Regional Manager Youth and Community Sandie Smithson said this was a great opportunity for youth to represent their community and connect with their culture.
“The First Nations Sport and Recreation Program runs twice a week, providing skills in touch football on Wednesday and basketball on the Friday,” Sandie said.
“The program also offers cultural mentoring with Blackman Lifestyle Solutions at the beginning of each Wednesday session.
“The program is free for children aged 14-17 years old.
“Twelve of the participants – six girls and six boys – will be selected to travel to the Gold Coast for the Bunburra school challenge.
“Participants that turn 18 prior to 1 November will also be eligible for selection in the Deadly 3’s basketball tournament which involves travelling to Cairns to play three-on-three basketball later this year.
Program outline
The First Nations Sport and Recreation Program is a free program for First Nations teens aged 14 to 17 years.
The program runs from PCYC Bundaberg twice a week for two six-week blocks as follows:
- Block 1 – begins Wednesday 26 February 2025
- Block 2 – begins Wednesday 30 April 2025
Program:
- Wednesday | 3.45 – 5.15 pm | cultural mentorship and touch football coaching
- Friday | 3.45 – 5.15 pm | basketball coaching
How to get involved
Visit PCYC Bundaberg at 1 Civic Avenue, Bundaberg or call on 07 4154 2813.
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