Footy!!

On Saturday 11 players, and 2 runners walked in Banksia Hill Detention Centre to play a football game. Some of the people had been before, some had no idea what to expect, and I'm sure all those 'prison' stories did not help in the creation of their expections.

So wearing tight guernseys that were made for 5 year olds, myself and the football team walked through the big security doors, and walked down to the oval, wondering what the day had prepared for us. In the distance thirty boys and a few guards walking down towards us on the ovals, the sun by this stage was telling us that summer had arrived. We organised the Banksia boys into team, and let the beating begin.

I played a few positions and when I playing full forward I started to chat to one of the boys who was living at Banksia, and much to my surprise he asked me questions as to who our team was, and why we came in. I began to share with this young man how we were a bunch of mates from all walks of life, and all different professions, and had simply come in the hope of provide hope in their lives... providing recreation, and being a group of people who played in a way which was a positive example to their lives... he looked at me with a big smile, and said 'Well, thanks cous for taking the time to organise this cous, we really appreciate it'.

One of my friends who is a teacher by trade commented to me afterwards how she was surprised at how well-mannered, polite and thankful all of the Banksia players were towards us, and she said that many of her own students were not as thankful as them.

As the sun got hotter and the game ended, so did our dreams... the Banksia boys annihilated our team, running rings around us, and reminding us of our age.

I have been into the detention centre many times now, but again I walked out amazed. Amazed that something so seemingly meaningless could be so significant and profound, and how providing hope in peoples lives may not be as complex as we think. All the players are keen to come back again, and the Banksia boys told me they look forward to 'cutting us up' again (maybe the wrong term from a resident), so any other footy players out there seeking to be amazed and simply provide hope in the lives of those who often do not see hope... please join me in the sun!