Footy legend and Coles community ambassador Eddie Betts kicks health goals with remote NT kids

After relocating his family to Darwin to spend time with remote community kids, Eddie Betts has vowed to return packing a fresh club flag for the Palmerston Magpies.

Eddie Betts is the kind of guy that walks the talk.

Instead of just saying he wants to help indigenous kids, he moved his family of seven to the Northern Territory for three months to work with children in remote communities.

The football legend’s role as a Coles community ambassador isn’t just an honorary title – he’s putting in the hard yards and he’s loved for it.

“On day one we had a traditional Welcome by the Larrakia Man – Uncle Richie Fejo – it was a moment I will never forget. Our whole family had a saltwater ceremony down by the ocean,” Betts said.

Betts was embraced around the NT as he visited remote communities and shared his love of AFL and leading an active life. Picture: Supplied

Eddie Betts relocated his family of seven for the three-month stay in the NT as the Coles Healthy Kicks Ambassador, spreading a little footy fever along with way. Picture: Supplied

“Two weeks later in that same spot a huge salt crocodile tried to grab someone’s dog. Lucky I had Uncle Richie there as I am a boy from the bush and wouldn’t know what to do if faced with a big croc!”

Betts ran the Coles Healthy Kicks clinics in remote communities, encouraging kids to be active and live a healthy lifestyle.

“Playing sport was such an important part of my life and if anything, it saved my life,” he said.

“I was able to learn from the coaches and people around me about being part of a team, being active and having fun. This kept me busy and off the streets.

Betts visited schools in remote areas of the NT to talk to indigenous kids about the importance of living an active, healthy lifestyle. Picture: Supplied

Betts said the smiles on the kids’ faces “was the best part of the trip”. Picture: Supplied

“My role at Coles has given me an opportunity to reach as many people in remote and urban communities as possible. The team have wholeheartedly supported my dream to be able to give back to Aboriginal communities and inspire kids to be the best they can be.”

During his time in Darwin, Betts was embraced by these communities and took part in sacred ceremonies.

“Being in the remote communities and seeing the smiles on kids’ faces was the best part of the trip. Kids in communities are so free and so loved, it felt so good to be able to join in because it took me back to my upbringing,” he said.

During his time in the NT as the Coles Healthy Kicks Ambassador, Betts laced up and played in the NTFL for the Palmerston Magpies as they took on the Waratah Warriors in round 9 in front of a home crowd. Picture: Glenn Campbell

Betts also spent time with the Palmerston Magpies football club and ran super clinics to teach young players the craft of Aussie Rules.

“I really feel so strongly connected to this club now,” he said.

“I have signed with a pencil to come back up next year and bring some ex-AFL players with me to get this club a flag and put Palmy Maggies back on the map.

“The club is like a big family to me, we spent so much time there because our little ones were able to play juniors there as well.”

Towards a Better Future, in conjunction with Coles’ Better Together strategy, shares stories on farming, local communities, health & wellbeing, and sustainability/food waste to shine a light on the people, charities and organisations that are helping make our country a better place.