AT 18 years of age Liam Liam McBean recently pulled on the Richmond jumper for the first time.
He understands how sport can play an important part in the lives of many young Australians.
Liam, an Aberfeldie resident, was recently picked up by the Tigers at pick 33 in the National Draft.
And for the past six months, Liam has been using his newly found sporting status to promote a worthy cause.
Liam became a Footys4all youth ambassador, after hearing about the not-for-profit foundation which is based in East Keilor.
The group supplies sports balls to disadvantaged children across in Australia and worldwide.
“It’s something I’ve been very fortunate with in life and my upbringing, being able to access sports equipment and training,” Liam said.
Liam said it was a shame many children and teenagers in disadvantaged communities and areas could not benefit from playing sport.
“This needs to be addressed and we need to help these disadvantaged communities,” Liam said.
“I’m still relatively young and I do cherish my days playing for Aberfeldie, starting as a junior and later on, and I can certainly relate to a child cherishing their first chance to hold a football or piece of sporting equipment.”
Before being drafted by Richmond, Liam also played for two years with the Calder Cannons in the TAC Cup.
In addition to his AFL duties, Liam is studying Sport and Recreation Management at Victoria University in Footscray.
Liam thanked the Aberfeldie Football Club and Avondale Heights Soccer Club for supporting Footys4all.
See www.footys4all.com.au for more information.
