The State Government, in conjunction with the Port Adelaide Football Club, has launched the Aboriginal Power Cup, a carnival that will focus on the talent of young footballers.

Office of Recreation and Sport indigenous sports development officer for the West Coast Jack Johncock said the carnival would be a great showcase for local players.

“There’s a hell of a lot of talent on the West Coast as we know, it’s just a matter of some of these kids getting serious about reaching their full potential,” he said.

“It’s a lot of hard work, I’ve seen that with Graham, and families have got to put in a supporting role, whatever the sport is.

“I back (the carnival) 100 per cent.

“We’ve set up a good close relationship with Power and coaching staff, and it’s great Power’s put their hand up because of the affiliation with local boys playing with them.”

Mr Johncock said the region might see more players drafted to the SANFL and AFL due to the carnival.

The Aboriginal Power Cup grand final will be held on August 15 as a curtain raiser to the Port Adelaide versus Collingwood clash at AAMI Stadium.

Picking up on key recommendations from Monsignor David Cappo’s report To Break the Cycle, the State Government has teamed with the Power, the South Australian Aboriginal Sports Training Academy and the SANFL to launch the cup.

In its inaugural year, the Aboriginal Power Cup will be open to students at the Para West Adult Campus, Kaurna Plains Primary School, John Pirie Secondary School, Ceduna Area School, Port Lincoln High School and the Wiltja Program (Woodville High School).

Port Adelaide Football Club chief executive John James said the club was thrilled to be involved.

“The Port Adelaide Football Club has had a long involvement with the Aboriginal community and the Aboriginal Power Cup is another opportunity for our club to contribute in a positive way,” Mr James said.

Power players will visit the schools during next term to encourage participation.

Students will be responsible for the preparation and planning of the football carnival, including designing team guernseys and liaising with local media to generate publicity and community support.

The concept is modelled on a successful UK-based program that collaborated with the Charlton Athletic Football Club to tackle youth crime issues in the of southeast London.