The next generation of Swans and Giants AFL prospects were at Figtree Oval with about 500 children playing modified matches in the largest weekly school AFL program in NSW.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The four-week program for Central Wollongong Primary School Sport Association children included seven schools of Year 5 and 6 students playing for 42 teams on 15 fields at Figtree Oval.
The 500 children were completing the fourth and final Friday of the Term 4 program in which the boys and girls enjoyed modified AFL games.
The inter-school program has been running in Wollongong for about eight years, but the latest year 5 and 6 program is the biggest in the state.
"Having 500 children playing games of AFL over four weeks is a massive boost for the promotion of AFL in the region," Illawarra schools development co-ordinator Stuart Haack said. "The kids have a fantastic time playing a great sport and hopefully it is a catalyst to them taking up the sport with their local club and playing on the weekend," he said.
The programs run all year round with about 6000 Illawarra and Southern Highlands students introduced to AFL this season.
Many kids start learning AFL basics in term 1 of the school year with a Year 3 and 4 four-week program beginning with two weeks of skills, including kicking, hand-balling and passing.
"Many of the kids in this Year 5 and 6 program would have gone through the earlier 3-4 one and playing matches is the next step for them," Haack said.
The latest Year 5 and 6 program covers two of the biggest junior nurseries in the region with the local clubs the Figtree Kangaroos and Wollongong Lions.
Illawarra's first home-grown AFL drafted player Aidan Riley began playing Auskick with the Figtree Kangaroos. He now plays for the Melbourne Demons after previously being with the Adelaide Crows.
Anyone interested in playing can call the AFL Illawarra/South Coast office on 4223 9700 or go to www.playafl.com.au
