My name is Tommy Randall and I venture from Sydney, Australia. Around six months ago I decided that being a Sports Teacher was my ideal job. But I wanted to experience the excitement of teaching first. After much deliberation, South Africa was my choice. With the support and help of my local clubs and my home team, the North Shore Bombers, the decision was made. Contacting July in South Africa got the ball rolling and when Steve Harrison (previous head coach) and Mtutu arrived back in Melbourne I travelled there to catch up with them. During our meeting I got the full run down on what was expected of me. After meeting Steve and Mtutu I felt confident that I had made the right decision. I knew that the responsibilities I was going to take on would be a real challenge, but if “you never never go, your never never know”,
Once back in Sydney it was all go, finding flights, which area I was going teach in, who was I going to teach etc. After advising everybody that I was actually going to South Africa, a local club the Forest Lions gave further financial support and other clubs in Sydney donated shirts.
For the children and schools in the area in and around Christiana in the North West Province of South Africa, my aims are to provide all the skills the children will need to enjoy the elements of AFL and other sports. To give them the experience of what it is like to play Australian Football. To work with volunteer parents and team supporters, and assist in launching and establish several AFL teams within the area, so that adults and children can participate in playing against each other and forming a bond of friendship with the wonderful game called AFL.
I am looking forward to giving you an updated report after my first few weeks.
Yours
Tommy
