AFL New Zealand has recently linked with Sport New Zealand within a newly formed advocacy group focusing on Physical Literacy.
Sport New Zealand is committed to promoting a ‘physical literacy approach’ and in response to initial introduction workshops, is now looking to build the necessary supporting resources and framework to ensure the sector is assisted in implementing this approach.
The role of this group is to be the ‘key network’, developing the tools, support, training and feedback mechanisms required across the range of settings within New Zealand’s community sport system.
The group will also champion and advocate physical literacy across the sector so that we ensure a shared understanding of the concept is maintained. A ‘train the trainer’ methodology will be utilised within the group resulting in a network of expertise across the sector.
Physical literacy is ‘the motivation, confidence, physical competence, knowledge and understanding required by participants that allows them to value and take responsibility for engaging in physical activity and sport for life’.
Sport NZ’s Physical Literacy Approach is relevant across all ages, recognising and responding to the needs of a participant as they change throughout life. All people can be participating in physical activity and sport in a variety of ways and in a variety of places. Their needs will vary and the following document provides a starting point for considering these needs.
AFL New Zealand has the perfect opportunity to strengthen engagement with community partners and Sport New Zealand by ensuring the Physical Literacy approach is implemented within its development programmes. AFL KiwiKick has now been delivered to over 100,000 children over the past five years and presents the perfect opportunity for the new approach.
