The Kool Kids Club

This article first appeared in the Southern Courier

By Leesa Smith

“Stop, walk away and tell somebody. It’s our time to shine” are just some of the strong lyrics that the young club members have penned for the song that they will record in a studio next week.

Club activity worker Paul Coleman, who is working on the project with musician and songwriter David Almon, said it was very satisfying to see the children grow throughout the program.

“The best thing about this program for me is not only seeing the creative side of the kids come out but also watching them find the courage to perform their ideas in front of others and gain massive confidence from that,” he said.

Sydney Swans player Tony Armstrong visited the program last week which created a big buzz among the young artists.

Club coordinator Lucy Butler said it was important for young people to get to the opportunity to work with inspiring role models which created inspiration for the young people’s future aspirations.

“The lyrics that the kids are coming up with are inspirational and we feel this song will have a great message for other kids and families in the local area,” she said.

In true rock star style, the kids aged 7-12 years-old are also make a video clip for the song.

AFL NSW/ACT Indigenous Programs Manager Katriina Heikkanen visited the day and was inspired by the kids’ creativity.

“We ran a clinic with the Kool Kids Club this year and have continued the relationship,” she said.

“Tony is the Swans Indigenous Ambassador for the AFL and has a big interest in music so when we found out the it was the music program instead of sport he was super keen.

“The kids were a bit shy at first but they soon came out of their shells.

“To listen to their lyrics and watch them work together is amazing. I’m looking forward to hearing the final version and seeing the film clip.”

KOOL KIDS NEED YOUR SUPPORT:

The Kool Kids Club is a vital youth preventative program that provides programs for kids aged 7 -12 in La Perouse and surrounding areas. To donate contact lucy@weave.org.au