STEPHEN Thomson’s commitment to Comet Bay College’s football specialist program has proved rewarding on many levels.
His time and effort will be personally rewarding when he attends this year’s AFL grand final as a special guest.
Thomson was recently named the AFL School Ambassador of the Year for WA, wining a trip for two to the big game this month.
As the founder and co-ordinator of the Secret Harbour school’s football program, he has preached both sporting excellence and academic prowess to the scholarship holders.
Thomson told the Courier it was a nice reward for a lot of hard work.
“I’ve never been to the grand final before and this is really what it’s all about for AFL fans,” he said.
“It’s nice to get something like this but having said that, the biggest reward is still the time with the kids and seeing them achieve their goals.”
Thomson said the CBC program started four years ago and was regarded as one of the best in WA.
He said the unique format of the specialist football program was one of the reasons for his win.
“The members of the specialist program have football lessons, like they would an English or maths lesson,” he said.
“What we want to do is ultimately integrate football with education for these students and help create a pathway to their sporting goals.”