EDUCATING the future generation is rewarding enough for any teacher, but for Immanuel Lutheran School Gawler’s Richie Cochrane, helping kids learn about football puts him in his element.
Mr Cochrane is a six-time SANFL premiership player with Central District, and after teaching for 15 years at Craigmore-based and soccer-mad Catherine McAuley School, he said the
interest in footy has him excited.
“I started at Immanuel this year in a PE, ICT and a well-being role,” he said.
“I found that it’s a very sporty school, there’s lots of interest in sport amongst the kids.
“In term one, we had after-school cricket and this term we have after-school footy.
“You’d have to say footy is the most popular sport in the school; the interest with the AFLW has had an impact, particularly on the girls in the senior years.”
Ever since the introduction of the AFL’s women’s competition, female participation numbers at all levels have shot through the roof around the country, and Gawler is no different.
“At recess or lunch, it’s great to see the girls mixing it with the boys,” Mr Cochrane said.
“There’s footballs here, there and everywhere.
“There’s been plenty of interest in football in the clinics.”
Mr Cochrane was a part of one of the most dominant sides in SANFL history while teaching at Catherine McAuley at the same time, but said the school was more soccer-focused.
“There were plenty of soccer games, but not many footys getting kicked,” he said.
“But now, a 15-minute drive up the road and teaching at Immanuel in Gawler, it’s the other way around.
“There’s hardly any soccer balls being kicked.
“I’m just absolutely loving going out on yard duties and seeing kids practicing set shots, taking species, and pulling off some Eddie Betts tricks.”