Geraldton Guardian Mid West Sports Awards: JK Foundation has helped grassroots athletes explore their passion

Josh Kennedy’s post-AFL dream — helping regional kids make their own sporting dreams come true — is already bearing fruit, with the JK Foundation helping dozens of young athletes in its first year. Hailing from Northampton, Kennedy started the foundation after retiring from West Coast to help grassroots athletes in the regions have greater opportunity to explore their passion. Many of the young athletes the foundation supports could be in line for recognition at the upcoming Mid West Sports Awards later this month, which recognise achievements in local sports, both on and off the field. “It’s fantastic the recognition is there,” Kennedy said. “Sport in country areas, it’s that sense of belonging, a sense of community. Everyone has their teams, there’s generations of families that start at one club and they stay at one club.” Many parents make the commitment to drive to Perth regularly so their children can compete in their chosen sport, which is where the inspiration for the JK Foundation began. “So for us being four or five hours away, that involves a lot of travel, a lot of strain on parents who are trying to give their kid the best opportunity they can in sport,” Kennedy said. “I was lucky enough, my mum drove me down a lot for football and I was able to have a 17-year AFL career because of that commitment.” What started out as providing a Mid West footballer with a scholarship each year became a struggle to pick just one, so Kennedy wanted to branch out. The JK Foundation was then formed to provide support for regional athletes who wanted to travel and compete. “Being able to give regional kids an opportunity to go and experience those events or competitions, that’s where it stemmed from,” Kennedy said. “Last financial year we had about 20, maybe 25 kids and there was about $40,000 that assisted with a lot of travel, expenses and fees like that . . . probably similar this year but we are putting a few more resources into getting some programs off the ground in the community.” The Mid West has bred some top-level talent, and the new generation coming up has some gems who have impressed the former West Coast Eagles champion. “Lucia Richardson, obviously a little bit of a different sport in circus performing, she had the opportunity to go over to the Fruit Flying Circus in New South Wales,” Kennedy said. “She’s a local Aboriginal girl who has been amazing in her commitment to being the best she can be. She has been doing so well in that field … couldn’t be more proud of her and what she’s been able to achieve. “Frauke Rawlings, she’s a woman boxer and it’s been very hard for her over her journey to get fights, she’s so committed to her training and she’s got back-to-back Golden Gloves. “Khyan Townsend, he does multiple sports but taekwondo is his biggest one, and he made the world champs which is over in Kazakhstan.” Since moving back to the Mid West, Kennedy has immersed himself in the local sports scene, both as a fan and a participant. A highlight was helping his boyhood footy club Northampton win their first GNFL flag in almost 20 years. “So to be able to come back and have that opportunity to be able to do it and have a bit of fun, it’s been really cool,” he said. “We’ll see next year. Obviously what the boys were able to do this year, ending that premiership drought of 19 years, it was pretty cool.” Kennedy is hoping to have time to play a few games next season, and is looking forward to being a part of the Rams. “I think a lot of players are going to be sticking around . . . but looking to hopefully play a bit more next year if I can,” he said. “Just be involved with the club at some level, if it’s not playing then just being around the club that gave me so much as a young kid. Now seeing my kids run around the footy club, it’s been a really cool experience.” To nominate someone for this year’s awards or to find out more about the categories, visit the Mid West Sport Federation website at mwsf.org.au. Nominations close on Friday, November 3 and are to recognise accomplishments and contributions between October 1, 2022 and September 30, 2023. This year’s Geraldton Guardian Mid West Sports Awards will be presented on Friday, November 17 at the Geraldton Yacht Club. Tickets are on sale now and can be bought at https://mtr.cool/tvucfatccw.