Ainslie leads the way in launching a specialised AFL program, Kinderkick, for children aged three to four years – giving our youngest players a head start in their football journey.
The first of a kind program in Canberra has already exceeded forecasted participation numbers, highlighting the severe gap in the market for early motor skill development for kids that love their footy.
Kinderkick lessons are designed to incorporate themes and skills from AFL to help children develop key motor skills from a footballing point of view to diversify the overall experience.
Kinderkick instructor, Jasmyn Murphy highlights the importance of developing motor skills in the Kinderkick program before advancement to football skills such as kicking and handballing.
“While there will be a footy involved, the program is primarily focused on building and isolating motor skills, being an age group where kids are first learning to run, jump and hop.”
Whilst the program is designed around the fundamental motor skills to assist and enhance the developmental needs, most importantly, the social wellbeing of the children is prioritised through teaching in a supportive environment to help build their confidence.
"The program is also a good social experience for the kids, especially for those kids who don't already go to pre-school or kindergarten. Getting kids in different social environments early on is important too, not just the development of motor skills."
Junior Football Coordinator, Sebastion Schob-Wyss highlighted the opportunity that sessions will concede with the Ainslie Auskick program, providing family opportunities for any younger siblings of Auskickers to participate as well and get involved early on with Ainslie.
"Kinderkick gets kids involved with footy early, advancing the participation pathway at Ainslie … supporting a lifelong sense of belonging to the club and football more broadly."
Beyond the development of motor skills, Kinderkick is also designed to provide an inclusive environment where kids can thrive socially and opportunities to meet potential life-long friends.
The launch of Kinderkick marks not only Ainslie's commitment to investing in the football development of aspiring kids, but also the commitment to the social and physical growth of the next generation in our community.
Parents and guardians aren't excluded from the fun either, the program strongly encourages family and friends to get involved in the weekly sessions early on to support the transition into the program.
Commencing this Sunday, the Kinderkick program will align with term two and three of the school year – running for eight weeks each term on a Sunday morning.
More information and details on how to registration can be found at: https://ainsliefootball.com.au/kinderkick/
Oliver Nguyen
Journalism Intern, Ainslie Football Club