AFL KiwiKick has been a stunning success at The Gardens School in Manurewa. Hundreds of students have eagerly taken up the opportunity to learn the fundamental movement skills of Kick, Catch, Pass and Bounce.
As a result of their involvement in AFL KiwiKick, participants will develop a connection to the sport of AFL and can go on to be lifelong participants in sport through a structured pathway available to all participants.
AFL New Zealand’s involvement with The Gardens School is part of a successful Kiwisport programme, funded by Counties Manukau Sport, that will see over 5000 children participate in the AFL KiwiKick programme at various schools around the region.
Each participant receives a 30-60 minute session each week for six weeks. AFL New Zealand provides qualified employees and has them working alongside the teachers who are actively involved in every session. The children learn and refine the fundamental movement skills of kicking, catching, passing and bouncing. They also have a lot of fun in the process, with a variety of exciting and educational games played in every session.
To follow on from the six sessions during school time, the children had access to an after school programme that takes place every Thursday within the school grounds directly after school. This provides the participants with easy access in a familiar setting and also provided parents with the opportunity of attending. Parental involvement in conjunction with trained coaches provides the best possible environment for skills to develop at an amazing rate. Almost 100 children signed up for the after school programme, a hugely successful turnout.
For those who want to continue to be involved in AFL, a Play AFL Club will open in October at Papatoetoe Sports Centre, as well as other locations around Auckland. Competitions will be available for children, teenagers, adults, female, male and mixed teams as well. Regardless of age or ability, there are opportunities for you to play AFL at your Play AFL Club.
