Stephen Michael Foundation to help at-risk youth through upcoming Narrogin Night Hoops

Stephen Michael started his foundation to help at-risk youth become valued, productive and happy members of the community — but he can’t help but keep an eye out for raw talent. The foundation has taken off since it was established by the two-time Sandover medallist four years ago, providing sporting activities to more than 3000 at-risk youths across WA. He engages young children and teenagers through the vehicle of sport, putting on community programs such as Nightfields and Night Hoops where they connect with mentors and usually get a free feed. On April 19, his foundation plans to hold its inaugural regional Night Hoops carnival at the Narrogin Leisure Centre, with about 150 youths expected to get involved. “It’s amazing. One kid sees another down there and they all think I can do that and word-of-mouth gets around and you get them all involved,” Michael said. The range of programs offered by the foundation has grown to encompass school leadership, coaching and umpiring. The programs are now offered to hundreds of youths across several regions each year — but the Upper Great Southern remains Michael’s heartland. One of his proudest achievements was the establishment of a female football academy, which has given footy-starved girls an outlet in a region without a fully fledged women’s competition. In February, Upper Great Southern academy player Aaliyah Ugle made her senior WA Football League Women’s debut for South Fremantle. Michael said the community events helped teach children discipline, something that drove his success from a very early age. “Growing up in Kojonup, discipline was very important. It gives you responsibility and respect. The respect of some kids today is limited,” he said. “I was very lucky with my parents growing up in Kojonup, and I think all my brothers and sisters were the same, because with sport it always pays dividends to make sure you get there on time with the right gear and all of that. “Kids in the street, even on the footy field, they just don’t pay attention and I think that’s through a lack of discipline.” The South Fremantle legend said discipline and respect were two of the most valued attributes at the Bulldogs while he was there in the 1970s and 80s. “People didn’t judge each other and that was the bottom line,” he said. “Everyone was there for one reason and that was to play footy and play sport and get on with people.” The benefits of the foundation’s program were recognised by Shire of Narrogin president, Leigh Ballard, who said the events helped children get active and involved. Last week, Narrogin Council voted to waive court hire fees to support this month’s Night Hoops carnival. “All kids love sport and they can come down and enjoy basketball where it’s managed and contained and they’re actually supported ... I think it’s a fantastic program,” Cr Ballard said.