The two combined for an exciting new program ‘Majak’s First Kick’.
"If I had the opportunity to do this when I was much younger, my football could definitely be a bit different, having learnt the basics of football."
The ten-week clinic aims to encouraging migrant children to learn the basics of AFL with marking, kicking and handballing a key feature.
The program is as much for families as it is for children according to the 22-year-old.
"That's the biggest struggle for me, getting my parents to understand what I was trying to do and get them involved and have the support of mum and dad, and that's what we're trying to do here," Daw said.
The Daws arrived in Australia as refugees in 2003, having fled the civil war in Sudan when Majak was just six-years old.
He picked up AFL in high school and just three years later, was involved in the TAC Cup competition for the Western Jets.
North Melbourne selected him as a Rookie in 2009 as the first Sudanese-born player to be drafted into the AFL. Daw says he would have loved the opportunity to learn about the game at an earlier age and hopes his program gives young migrant children a chance to catch-up.
"They won't feel disadvantaged - being able to compete with the kids who have grown up with footy, the Australian kids over here - so it will give them a leg up," he said.
The Auskick program is the traditional pathway to introduce many teenagers to AFL, but Daw says it is not always suited to children from migrant backgrounds.
"I think they won’t feel disadvantaged in my program not having to compete with Australian kids that have grown up with footy and will give them a leg up and put them on the same level," he said.
He says he is aware of his responsibilities in being a positive influence on the lives of the children.
"These kids look up to me and I have to carry myself as a respectable member of the community, but in terms of a role model it's something I get labelled and I've come to terms with accepting it."
For more details or to register contact Sean Dixon on (03) 9320 2443 or sean.dixon@nmfc.com.au.
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