By: Jessie Hare
Twitter: @JessieHaree
Rowville Football Club has recently announced a partnership with Indonesian Australian rules team the Bali Geckos for season 2018, demonstrating our game’s unique ability to connect with all different backgrounds, cultures and people.
Rowville is the personal player sponsorship for the Geckos’ Andre ‘Arn’ Sustano, who is known as the Indonesian Cyril Rioli. The Hawks have happily donated football boots, footballs and rolls of ankle tape to assist not only the Geckos but AFL Indonesia and AFL Asia. The Bali Geckos were also acknowledged to have sponsored Rowville’s under-19s captain, Jack Gaudion for this season.
Rowville’s football manager, Ian Skinner, discusses why this initiative has been so important for the Geckos and why the club has made the decision to be involved in the international partnership.
“They are trying to develop the game from the grassroots like we are in Australia. The Indonesians find it difficult get Indonesian kids because they’re soccer mad,” Skinner said.
The Bali Geckos are guided by their coach, 1993 Essendon premiership player Ricky Olarenshaw and president, Greg Hinchliffe along with a host of others working tirelessly behind the scenes. With the support of Rowville, the Bali Geckos and AFL Indonesia are forming a partnership which could potentially assist in the development of players and the AFL Asia competition.
“So, their idea is to get the kids involved at a young age and girls included, Rick (Geckos coach) is working towards getting their small junior program to grow as well as getting a girls’ program too,” Skinner said.
“We (Rowville FC) are just trying to help out where we can. We’re in the position where we have a lot of contacts over here and we were happy to help out.”
Rowville under-19s player Jack Gaudion. PICTURE: Supplied.
The more funding and exposure AFL Indonesia and the Geckos are able to get is crucial in assisting the growth of grassroots footy internationally.
Skinner believes the partnership will result in more exposure for everyone involved and explains Olarenshaw and Hinchliffe’s vision for Aussie rules football in Bali.
“The main thing is to get it out there. They (AFL Indonesia) put it on their media and we out it on ours and we are able to create positive exposure,” Skinner said.
“Our announcement post on Facebook was shared by AFL Indonesia and they wrote a little piece about us as well – it’s things like that.
“Their plan is to able to start them young, so they have interest in AFL young, it’s all about fundraising like every other club.
“Their dream is to do what we’re doing over here.”