The 40 game AFL veteran, who now plats NEAFL for Aspley, is diversity co-ordinator for the two Queensland side at this week's Under-15 Kickstart Championships and All Nations Cup being played at Cazalys. Having forged what he described as a 'mainstream' career through the SANFL to land a spot with the Kangaroos, Sansbury sees the National Diversity Championships for the unique pathway they really are.
"It's a really good idea and the boys from all different cultures come together in one big group off the field and learn about each other", the 31 year old said. "I tell them all time how lucky they are. It's a great oppourtunity and when I was playing I would have loved it. These programs help identify guys who cant be reached in mainstream pathways - back when I played I was just happy to get to the SANFL because that was so tough."
He said both the Kickstart and All Nations teams, the later of which includes player from non-english speaking countries or players from emerging communities that have a parent born overseas from Asia or Africa, boast players worth keeping an eye on.
"The standard in both Kickstart and All Nations is pretty high and Queensland have got a few in both that are really talented,"he said.
"We drill in the football basics but have todl them to go out and showcase their skills knowing the pathways that are available to them from here."
Game conclude Wednesday with the finals being held at Cazalys Stadium.
Article courtesy of Murray Wenzel - The Cairns Post
Last Modified on 15/04/2015 15:19