By Brad Greenshields/Coffs Coast Advocate
AS THE teenage players prepared for the start of the National KickStart Championships and Australia Post All Nations Cup on Friday morning, there was no doubt former Carlton and GWS Giants player Setanta Ó hAilpín was king of the kids.
“I can relate to these kids about relocating to a new country, the culture difference and change and immersing yourself in the Australian culture and enjoying it,” Ó hAilpín said.
“It’s also about learning new things because at the end of the day it’s about growing our people, educating them so they grow up to be great Australian humans.”
Ó hAilpín is helping the NSW/ACT All Nations Cup team this week. To qualify for an All Nations team, players must have been born overseas and come from a non-English speaking background.
Seeing as the 31 year-old moved to Australia 10 years ago with a background in hurling, it’s a transition he can understand.
But this week is about more than just football.
There are education sessions built into the program for the five-day event so the players don’t lose sight of what’s important.
“Football is only on the miniscule side of things, you’ve got to look at the bigger picture,” Ó hAilpín said.
“You’ve got to look at education, well-being and health. They all play big factors in making Australian Rules a beautiful game.
“Educating these kids is first and foremost then it’s about unearthing their talent.
“A lot of the kids here have a lot of talent but it’s no use getting that talent and not doing something with it. As long as you educate them outside of football, it’s a better life.”
Like Ó hAilpín, the teenage boys playing at C.ex Coffs International Stadium until Wednesday didn’t grow up with AFL but the Irishman believes there’s an opportunity for them despite starting later than most Aussie Rules kids.
“With the influx of multicultural and diverse people in Australia, there’s bound to be talent out there,” he said.
“There’s no better way to find it than to have an All Nations Cup here and find that talent because I guess this is the next generation.”
Last Modified on 11/04/2014 12:57