Rainbow flicks on island paradise ...

Football West community coach Baxter Hutchinson has had a trip to remember with a two-week visit to Christmas Island and the Cocos (Keeling) Islands.

Baxter oversaw programs at the two Indian Ocean Territories, running football sessions with children and adults from both communities.

As well as improving their basic football skills, the purpose of the visit was to encourage locals to engage in sport to help develop resilience and communication and build a connection among the communities.

Around 120 males and females took part in the sessions.

“It was a fantastic experience and one I will take a lot from,” said Baxter, who is also a coach with Football Futures Foundation.

“While facilities are nothing like what we have in Perth, the enthusiasm more than made up for it. They have a real love for football, especially the children.

“What summed this up was on Home Island, one of the Cocos Islands, when a few youngsters found out where I was staying. One night, they knocked on my door and asked if I could go play five-a-side on a nearby tennis court. We stayed there for a couple of hours and it was brilliant.

“I was also encouraged by the high female interest in football on Christmas Island. By the end of my visit, I’d taught many of them how to a do a rainbow flick and it was great to see their excitement when they could do it.

“Another highlight was when I got to present at a few schools. I feel I related to the kids and received some really positive feedback.”

Baxter’s trip was funded by the Australian Government under arrangement with the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries.

Baxter added: “It was an incredible fortnight and one I’ll never forget. I’d like to acknowledge the DLGSC and thank everyone who made everything run so smoothly, including people from the local shires, sports clubs and schools. But most of all, the people who took part in the programs and made putting them on so rewarding. I can’t wait to come back.”