Whangarei Pathway Project
In October 2011 AFL New Zealand completed the AFL KiwiKick Pathway Project in Northland, specifically the Whangarei Region. The project was headed by former Sport Northland employee Paul Hope who commenced work with AFL New Zealand in March 2011.
The partnership involving $15,000 of KiwiSport funding through the Sport Northland Regional Trust, involved the delivery of the AFL KiwiKick fundamental movement skills programme.
Six sessions were delivered during school time to nine Primary School and 2650 students as well as the involvement of two secondary schools Whangarei Boys and Girls Colleges.
Through the project 61 people have achieved a minimum of a Level O AFL KiwiKick Coaching Accreditation including 55 teachers and 6 secondary school students.
25 AFL New Zealand staff participated in the project with. 4 employees hired from Whangarei Boys High School after completing the leadership programme.
From the initial sessions delivered in Primary Schools, 3 after school centres commenced at St Francis Xavier, Matarau and Kamo Primary Schools involving 110 participants.
Each participant completed an 8 week afterschool programme involving the development of skills progressing to the participation in games and competition. Every participant receives a AFL KiwiKick benefit pack containing a bag, cap and their very own football.
AFL KiwiKick Tournament Media Release 10/11/11
Whangarei’s first ever Yr 5-8 AFL KiwiKick tournament was held at Kensington Park on Thursday 20th November. The day started out wet and windy but by the time the first game was underway the rain stopped and the sun came out for perfect footy playing conditions.
The five teams entered from Huanui College, Manaia View & Te Horo schools were in fantastic form and excited about the days play. There were some closely fought battles with two of the top teams on the day Huanui College and Manaia View 2 going head to head and displaying some sensational footy skills and entertaining the crowd to an action packed and nail biting finish, with Huanui becoming the eventual winners by two goals (44-36).
Huanui also ended the day unbeaten and became the Whangarei 2011 AFL KiwiKick Champions. The runners up Mania View 2 also had a close encounter with their fellow rivals Manaia View 3 in a game that went down to the wire with seconds remaining to see Manaia View 2 take out the points by one goal (31-25). This meant that Manaia View 3 had to settle for third spot.
All schools showed fantastic behaviour and attitude and the support from the teachers and parents was exceptional. The schools are looking forward to working on their skills and fine tuning their game plan for 2012’s competition.
Points table:
1st Huanui College 20pts
2nd Manaia View 2 16pts
3rd Manaia View 3 12pts
4th Manaia View 1 8pts
5th Te Horo 4 pts
As we move towards 2012, AFL New Zealand has commenced work in the Far North on a new project engaging Sport Northland Primary School Development staff as well as applying for further funding for a new KiwiSport project involving a further 8 primary schools within Northland.
The aim is to reengage schools visited in 2011, this time without funding support and continue to develop new relationships with the assistance of Sport Northlands support.
Within the next twelve months AFL New Zealand will support the formation of AFL Northland working under the guise of a seven member board with 4 Appointed Directors ( Appointed by AFL New Zealand) and 3 Elected Directors. (Elected by Members) to ensure the sustainability of the code in Northland.
Members of AFL Northland will be made up of Incorporated Clubs as well as Schools that participate in any AFL Programme for a minimum of 6 weeks annually. On the formation of AFL Northland, Schools and Clubs will be invited to apply for membership.
