“The Colts program is vital to ensuring the senior men's program has fresh talent coming through” (Oscar Morcombe, University Football Club). Growth in the Colts competition promises a future for the Men’s competition. Without a Colts team, clubs aren’t always guaranteed players for their Men’s teams; they are forced to recruit from other clubs or areas, which isn’t always 100% possible. By not getting enough recruits, the teams run the risk of dropping grades due to not having many teams in their club.

Not all clubs have a Colts team due to various different reasons, but the clubs that do know that their Colts teams hold a vital role in their club. The players for the senior football team in most clubs are recruited from the teams own Colts team, this means that having a Colts team ensures that they not only have players that are willing to join their senior team but also have been trained from a young age to continue to be the best layer they can be. “I believe Colts is an essential part of any senior football club program, we help develop pathways for young adults to continue playing football for as long as they can” (Thomas Bowey, Curtin Uni Wesley).

There are different types of recruitment styles clubs may rely on to build their Colts teams; a common one is fostering relationships with junior teams in their area. Reaching out to junior teams is a common recruitment tactic, providing a pathway for their year 12 players who want to continue playing upon graduating. To foster this relationship between clubs and their junior teams, some clubs may invite year 11 and 12 boys to join training, where possible, can make the interest more prominent and make the transition into a Colts team easier.

Those who don’t have any junior teams have to rely on other tactics, such as reaching out to schools in the area, junior teams in other areas and most commonly, word-of-mouth. Relying on past and current Colts’ players to spread the word, whether that be to friends, family or fellow students, is a positive way for clubs with no junior teams to recruit players, as Colts football can be very player-driven.

It is also common for teams such as Curtin Uni Wesley Football Club and University Football Club to recruit country players who have moved to the city for university. A useful recruitment tactic for these teams is holding stalls during university open days, to show the students that there are teams that they can play for.

“The Colts give the club an extra spark of life. Their excitable attitude and at times, annoying behaviour, make the club a more enjoyable place to be. It also provides senior players an opportunity to coach and give back to the club in other ways” (Oscar Morcombe, University Football Club). Colts teams don’t just have a positive impact on their clubs and their members, but also on the players themselves. The players are typically around the ages of 16-20, and many are in their first or second year of university; they are starting to navigate life post-high school. Football is a great place to instil in them life lessons such as structure, hard work and determination, while also giving them a safe place where they can both enjoy football and socialise with friends. “It is also a great way for young men to stay involved within a community as well as finding a place to belong, feel safe and make connections they can turn to if ever needed” (Thomas Bowey, Curtin Uni Wesley).

Colts football is a fun place to make new friends, learn new skills and play the sport you love, whether you’ve played your whole life or only started playing in high school; you should never be discouraged to just get involved and have a go. Aussie Rules Football is a game well-loved by Australians; if you love it, play it. “Colts football is not just about playing high-quality football. It is about enjoying the game of Australian Rules and meeting new people. A Colts team is a wonderful place to meet new people, reunite with old mates, and keep in touch with your closest friends. It is an environment where you can be yourself and enjoy your football. It is for players of all skill levels. A place where the coaches can make you a better player, and a better person” (Oscar Morcombe, University Football Club).

By Kerryn Wilson