Page 34 - AFL Queensland 2014 in Review

GARBUTT MAGPIES CUP
The inaugural Garbutt Magpies Cup was conducted in Townsville in August as a carnival day involving 10 schools with a high population of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students from Townsville, Palm Island and Charters Towers.
The Garbutt Magpies Cup (GMC) was inspired by a research study that followed a group of U17 AFL players from the Garbutt Magpies Australian Football Club touring side to Melbourne in 1983, looking at the long term impact that Australian Football had on this group of indigenous players. These players have gone on to be leaders in the Indigenous community and the driving force behind the GMC, which works under the tag line: Boys to Men.
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INDIGENOUS PROGRAMS
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The Eagles played four home games at Buchan Street with players running the canteen and undertaking game day duties.
The GMC involved the elders in the community (all of whom were associated with the Garbutt Magpies) visiting schools to share their stories, encourage boys to take responsibility for their own lives and to be self-directing and grasp opportunities.
The Collingwood Football Club was involved in the initial tour in 1983 and added its support to this initiative by providing a kit for each player. Deadly Sport and Queensland Sport and Recreation arranged for Brisbane Lions triple premiership player, Darryl White, to attend the event.
Heatley State School were the overall winners, but the impact of the GMC on the local community was the greatest benefit.
AFL CAPE YORK EAGLES
The AFL Cape York Eagles enjoyed a dream start in their debut season in the AFL Cairns Juniors competition, in the second year of Cape York House’s operation.
The Eagles filled both U15 and U17 teams with both teams, with the U13 students joining forces with the North Cairns Tigers.
Both the U15 and U17 teams made their respective grand finals, with the U15s claiming the premiership.
AFL Cape York House students form the basis of each team with around
10 lads from outside the House coming along to play with their mates. The younger U13 students played with North Cairns Tigers as well as playing up at times with the Eagles U15s.
House parents would ensure the boys were prepared for training and made games on time as well as running water and helping out with team uniforms. AFL CY staff assisted with coaching and training programs.
The Eagles committee was established with year 11 and 12 students from the House elected to president, vice-president, secretary and treasurer positions. All four positions were aligned with an adult mentor.