The 2018 AFL premiership player joined a group of South Hedland youth on Monday afternoon, pulling on the boots as a surprise guest at Fair Game’s weekly afterschool sports session at the JD Hardie Youth and Community Hub.
Kennedy, who grew up in regional Western Australia, guided the students through a series of drills and lessons learned on and off the field as an elite athlete, as well as joining in some of Fair Game’s active team games.
Fair Game Australia, a proudly Western Australian charity, is celebrating 15 years of serving our communities in 2026 and has been running the ‘Game on! Afterschool’ program in South Hedland since 2020, helping to support the well-being of regional school-aged children with team building and sports focused activities.
Horizon Power’s relationship with Fair Game Australia dates back to the charity’s inception and is bolstered through Horizon Power’s Community Partnerships program, which currently supports Fair Game’s health, education and sports programs that deliver positive outcomes for regional and remote WA communities.
Since becoming a Horizon Power brand ambassador in 2023, Josh Kennedy has championed the regional energy provider’s commitment to supporting regional and remote communities, creating positive community connections through his regular footy clinics.
Kennedy, who has previously hosted footy clinics for Horizon Power in the Kimberley, Pilbara, Gascoyne and Esperance, said he enjoyed partnering with Fair Game and spending time with local Hedland students.
“It’s important for me to give kids in regional areas an opportunity that encourages them to get involved in sport, and to stay connected to their community,” he said.
“Everywhere I go, these kids bring energy and a spirit – they just want to get stuck in and have some fun. I’m incredibly proud to be involved in helping to make that happen.”
Fair Game Australia Chief Executive Officer Nicki Bardwell said that Josh Kennedy’s participation in this week’s Fair Game session is one more way that Horizon Power has provided valuable support to their programs in regional and remote communities over the last 15 years.
“The opportunity to make a genuine connection with a sporting legend is an inspiring experience for these young people. It encourages them to participate and lets them see what could be possible through sport” said Bardwell.
Horizon Power Chief Executive Officer Krystal Skinner praised Fair Game Australia for the important work they do in regional WA, and thanks Josh Kennedy for getting involved in this session, engaging with local communities and inspiring the next generation of footballers.
“Josh Kennedy’s team spirit, dedication to his sport and strong connection to regional WA reflect our key values at Horizon Power. We’re proud to partner with someone who shares our commitment in supporting regional and remote communities.”