Fun for future football stars

MEMBERS of the Woady Yaloak Football Netball Club have celebrated the last Auskick session of the year at Smythesdale Recreation Reserve.

This is the first year an Auskick program has been at Smythesdale, and president Adam Liversage said the program has been successful.

“It used to be at Haddon but we’ve brought it down to Smythesdale now on a Thursday night,” he said.

“It feels more a part of the club as a whole, so tonight we’ve also got the under 13 teams who are going to be playing a game with the Auskick kids.

“We try and create that real sense of community out here.”

Auskick aims to introduce children to Australian rules football with game-based activities and no need for uniforms or extensive equipment.

“Kids just love running around don’t they,” said Mr Liversage.

“We turn the light on and try making it fun… we make sure the kids aren’t standing around doing nothing with three or four sessions going at once.”

Seven-year-old Claire took part in the program, and she aspires to play for the Western Bulldogs AFLW team.

Her favourite aspects of Auskick are playing matches and kicking goals.

When Mr Liversage began his involvement with Auskick in the region about 15 years ago there were around 12 to 15 kids taking part.

Since then, the program has grown to as many as 80 children with 50 registered for 2024.

“With the introduction of under nines football that has reduced the levels of Auskick numbers a little bit,” said Mr Liversage.

“But at least those kids are still involved in footy in some way and 50 kids this year is truly fantastic.”