Our Story
Our Languages Matter in 2017
2017 marks ten years of the Aboriginal Power Cup (APC), which is an early intervention strategy that uses football as a tool to engage Aboriginal secondary school students in their education and provide pathways to workforce participation.
Aboriginal culture and identity is a major component of the program, which is on display at the APC carnival.
The 2017 APC theme is Our Languages Matter. This theme encourages students to learn about their culture, what makes every language group unique and the importance of culture and identity to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people across our nation.
To support training and employment outcomes for our students, the APC is aligned with the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE) and participating students are required to complete one of two SACE Units (either Stage 1 or Stage 2 Integrated Learning) by completing curriculum work throughout the program.
Integrated Learning subjects draw links between aspects of a student’s life and their learning. Students apply skills and knowledge to a ‘real-world’ task or event that leads to a specific learning purpose or outcome. These subjects facilitate collaboration and teamwork, and develop capabilities such as communication and leadership skills.
Students use the curriculum tasks as a basis for learning new skills linked to education and healthy living that will encourage continuation of education and positive life choices
The APC program culminates with a football round-robin carnival held at Allan Scott Power Headquarters in Alberton. The carnival includes cultural and personal development workshops and a career and lifestyle expo in addition to football matches
The grand final matches of the 2017 APC will be played as a curtain raiser to the Port Adelaide v Hawthorn Round 11 clash at Adelaide Oval on Thursday 1 June.
"Through the Aboriginal Power Cup we want to provide students with the skills, resilience and motivation to stay the course at High School to give them the best opportunity for future success." - Keith Thomas (CEO)
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History of Aboriginal Power Cup
2008
• The Aboriginal Power Cup launches with 133 students from six participant schools.
2009
Ten schools and 231 students taking part in the second season.
2010
The program evolves with 17 schools and 283 students participating. This is the first time the Aboriginal Power Cup aligns with school curriculum for students in Years 10-12 by delivering SACE Integrated Learning Units.
Santos also signs a three-year agreement as major sponsor of the Aboriginal Power Cup and assists in delivering education and employment pathways.
2011
The Attorney General’s Department enters a new three-year funding agreement with to help the program grow through to the end of 2013.
2012
24 schools and 285 students from across South Australia participate in the Aboriginal Power Cup. Power Community Ltd aligns the program to the AFL’s Indigenous Round, with finals played as curtain raisers at Football Park. Santos extends its major partnership of the Aboriginal Power Cup until the end of 2016.
2013
Aboriginal Power Cup now reaches 35 schools and 385 students.
2014
Growth continues with 392 students registered across 36 participating schools.
2015
412 students registered across 41 schools with a 96 percent completion rate. The University of South Australia also forms a scholarship for Aboriginal Power Cup students.
2016
Participating students were invited to perform in a dance ceremony spectacle at Adelaide Oval before the Power’s Round 9 clash with West Coast
2017
Marks the tenth year running of APC, with 450 students registered for the program across 41 schools in SA.
Preparing students for a successful working life when they finish school
© 2017 Aboriginal Power Cup. All rights reserved.
Power Community Limited