Now in its fifth year, the Western Bulldogs Leadership Project is continuing to shape the next generation of community leaders right across western Victoria, as participant Brandon Rogers recently explained to the Star Weekly newspaper.

Established in 2013, the Western Bulldogs Community Foundation Leadership Project offers unique opportunities for young people to build confidence, make new friendships and develop skills that will enable them to become future leaders in their community.

And that’s what happened earlier this month when Brandon, along with 130 other participants, attended a leadership themed weekend camp in Melbourne.

“On the first day myself and other participants attend the Grand Final rematch between the Western Bulldogs and the Sydney Swans. The love of the Bulldogs unified participants, therefore creating friendships, Brandon said.

“The second day consisted of multiple activities that would build friendships and skills. On the final day, we all met up at Victoria University Whitten Oval and set goals for ourselves to hopefully meet in September, when the program ends.

“We also went on a tour of VU Whitten Oval and learnt about the facilities and players.”

But, according to Brandon, the experience was about far more than football.

“Through the Leadership Project camp, I obtained new friendships, built skills and, as mentioned before, adopted new concepts to live my life by.”

The Western Bulldogs Leadership Project reaches selected males and females in years 9 or 10 who live within the municipalities of Brimbank, Ararat, Golden Plains, Hobsons Bay, Maribyrnong, Melton, Moonee Valley, Ballarat, Glenelg Shire, Hepburn Shire Council (Warrnambool), Northern Grampians (Stawell).

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