All abilities football program kicks into Ocean Grove

CHILDREN of all abilities will have an opportunity to kick footballs this weekend at an All-Abilities AFL Auskick come and try session at Ocean Grove Memorial Reserve.

The Sunday, February 25, session, organised in partnership with Leisure Networks, AFL Victoria and the Ocean Grove Football and Netball Club, aims to provide basic football skills to children aged between 5 and 12 years old.

Newcomb Power Football and Netball Club junior club coordinator Scott Smith has been heading up an all abilities Auskick program for three years and will be leading the charge this weekend.

Smith said he thrilled the service will be introduced to the Ocean Grove community and hopes it will get more children enjoying the sport, no matter their skill level.

“What we do with All-Abilities Auskick is not too different from mainstream, we just have to be more flexible and adapt the program to suit all abilities,” Smith said.

“For instance, we know some kids won’t make it through a whole session, but if they turn up and participate for some of the time then that’s great, we’re happy.

“We just work together, face each new set of challenges as they come and adapt.

“Each kid is different, so we work with them individually to make it work.”

Smith said the program would not only gives the kids a chance to play AFL, but an opportunity to work as a team, learn to share and take turns, which are all vital lessons in life.

Program Coordinator at Leisure Networks, Luke Maher said the organisation is thankful for all the work Smith continues to do and is excited about partnering once again for this session.

With support from AFL Victoria’s participation team and Leisure Networks, All-Abilities Auskick is opening up pathways all the way through AFL to the seniors.

Late last year, Leisure Networks announced the launch of a regional inclusion league, a local all abilities competition for senior players.

Four clubs will kick off the 2023 season over the next few weeks, with Bell Park, Newcomb, Geelong West Giants and St Joseph’s each fielding a team.

Smith and Leisure Networks hope the session will give children the opportunity to connect and thrive.

For more information, contact Luke Maher at [email protected]