Clontarf Foundation gives at-risk kids given a sporting chance

Hundreds of at-risk First Nations students across Queensland are being drawn away from youth crime and back into the classroom to graduate, all through the lure of sport.

Anthony Mitchell from Clontarf Foundation, Penny Fowler the Foxtel Community Ambassador, Hisanori Doi a former student, Patrick Delany the Foxtel Group CEO, Jeanette Craigie the Parent of current Clontarf student, Penny Fowler. Photo Steve Pohlner

Hundreds of at-risk First Nations students across Queensland are being drawn away from youth crime and back into the classroom to graduate, all through the lure of sport.

It’s been nearly a decade since not-for-profit organisation The Clontarf Foundation was launched from its humble roots in the Darling Downs to now be part of 25 schools statewide.

The foundation harnesses the passion boys have for sport to attract them into the classroom, and keep them coming back to learn.

It partners with schools and communities to create Clontarf academies embedded within the educational facilities.

In Queensland, Clontarf supports 2673 boys across 24 academies and has more than 2000 requests from more students hoping to take part.

Hisanori Doi, 21, is one of Clontarf’s most recent success stories having been saved from falling through the cracks to graduating in 2020.

Mr Doi started with the foundation in Year 9 at Cairns State High School and became a dedicated student.

Speaking at a luncheon hosted by Fox Sports and The Courier-Mail on Wednesday, Mr Doi said the foundation had changed his life for the better.

However, it was in his final year of schooling when the pandemic threatened to derail his studies. He said his drive, grades and attendance rates plummeted.

“I was getting As and Bs but then to Es and I had basically accepted that I wouldn’t graduate,” Mr Doi said.

“I was going into school late and my grades were just flunking.

“But through Clontarf and my mentor they really helped me get back into class on time and just really helped me graduate and guided me into university.”

Clontarf Foundation has plans to expand its reach to help save more youths however it requires more support at government level and corporate partners.

Originally published as Clontarf Foundation gives at-risk kids given a sporting chance