Majak Daw unveils 'First Kick' clinic for migrant children

The AFL’s first Sudanese player, Majak Daw, today unveiled the 'First Kick' Australian Rules clinic - aimed at migrant children and their families - in Melbourne.

First_Kick_140203_AAP.JPG

North Melbourne AFL player Majak Daw launches 'Majak's First Kick', a junior football development program aimed at introducing migrant children and their families to AFL. (AAP)

Daw, who developed a cult following in his six exciting games in 2013, only discovered Australian Rules in the playground after he moved to Australia ten years ago, and says despite a decade of dedication to the sport, that late start may still be stifling his game.

"When I speak about having a long way to go [in my career], it's more about reading the game," he said. "That's the biggest challenge with me, just being able to see the game unfold as it happens."

"If I had the opportunity to do this when I was much younger, my football could definitely be a bit different, having learnt the basics of football."

The 22-year-old said playing within their community groups, rather than in the schoolyard, would also help children learn the game and gain confidence.

"They won't feel disadvantaged - being able to compete with the kids who have grown up with footy, the Australian kids over here - so it will give them a leg up," he said.

Daw said his program was aimed as much at immigrant families as it is at their children. Many are reluctant to send their children to Australian Rules clinics because they simply don't know what the game is all about.

"That's the biggest struggle for me, getting my parents to understand what I was trying to do and get them involved and have the support of mum and dad, and that's what we're trying to do here," he said.


2 min read

Published

Updated

By Glenn Osborne

Source: SBS


Share this with family and friends


Get SBS News daily and direct to your Inbox

Sign up now for the latest news from Australia and around the world direct to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

Follow SBS News

Download our apps

Listen to our podcasts

Get the latest with our News podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.

Watch on SBS

SBS World News

Take a global view with Australia's most comprehensive world news service

Watch now

Watch the latest news videos from Australia and across the world