In 2009, AFL Queensland introduced a new and improved NAB AFL Auskick Program for Junior Clubs.

The new program consisted of changing the age to have 5-7 year olds only participating.  This provided a pathway for 5 and 6 year olds to participate during the football season, with players playing in the U8’s competition needing to be 7 or 8 years old in 2009 to play.  Within the new structure, the program would last at least 12 weeks and consist of a 1 hour block, broken down into 30 minutes of skills and 30 minutes for a game.

 

Promotions were conducted at the relevant schools affiliated with each Junior Club.

Clubs were asked to find an AFL Auskick Co-ordinator to take on the challenge of implementing this new program.  They were to provide coaching and ensure all aspiring footballers were having heaps of fun.  The co-ordinators for 2009 were:

 

Caboolture JFC          -           Denis Long

Strathpine JFC            -           Grant Davis

Wilston Grange JFC   -           Jeff de Heus

Bribie Island JFC        -           AFL Queensland

Kedron JFC                -           Paul Tilbury

Sandgate JFC            -           Marc Tucker

Zillmere JFC               -           Breeanna Brock

Mayne JFC                 -           AFL Queesland

Narangba JFC            -           Danny Menheere

Redcliffe JFC             -           Eden Galpin

 

The program was a huge success in 2009, all clubs had fantastic numbers with over 400 children participating in club program.

 

Due to the fantastic work of our Club AFL Auskick volunteers this new program should continue to grow in the coming years.

 

There were some special events run by the Clubs in 2009 for their AFL Auskickers:

 

·         Sandgate JFC AFL Auskick played a game at half time of the Club’s Senior Game and also came on a tour through the dressing sheds before the game.

·         Redcliffe JFC AFL Auskick also played at half time of a couple of the Club’s Senior Games

·         Wilston Grange JFC AFL Auskick all received Gorilla Auskick T-Shirts and had a big Gala Day to finish their program

·         Zillmere JFC AFL Auskick received shirts and medallions on their awards day

·         Strathpine JFC put together an AFL Auskick movie which was entered in the competition to be named NAB AFL Auskick Centre of the Year.

·         Caboolture JFC AFL Auskick won a resource kit from NAB and celebrated with the game against their U8’s team in their last week.

 

All Clubs have invited their AFL Auskickers to their Junior Presentation Days to reward them and ensure they are fully involved in the club activities.

 

I would like to send my personal thanks to all the Club Presidents, AFL Auskick Co-ordinators and Volunteers who gave up their time each Saturday morning to help develop these young footballers.

 

I look forward to another successful year in 2010.

 

Congratulations to you all.

 

 

Ben Drew

AFL Qld – AFL Auskick Development Officer