Firstly, thank you to all who were involved in the Auskick program throughout Mackay and the Whitsundays in 2011. This year we had a record number of 1788 participants in the Mackay/Whitsundays region, showing significant growth from the 2010 figure of 1440. The feedback from the schools and parents is highly positive, with the reoccurring topic that ‘AFL does it better at grassroots level than any other sport.’ There were a number of positive inroads established and initial foundations laid at numerous schools in the region. 57 individual Auskick centres were run across our region, incorporating participants from 66 schools and AFL junior clubs in the region. We had 7 new Auskick centres commence for the first time including Coppabella, Gargett, Eungella, North Eton, Pindi Pindi, Oakenden and Homebush. The transition from Auskick to club-land is still one of the most challenging tasks, particularly in a highly-competitive, sports savvy region.
One of the major focuses for our team in 2012 is to foster this transition and work in close correlation with the clubs to embrace more numbers at a junior level. We aim to establish a well structured, club Auskick program to be hosted at the clubs in 2012 (rather than Harrup Park, which only attracted a modest 30 new participants across all clubs in 2011). The proposed timeframe is to commence mid-March and conclude in line with the start of the U9s/U11s season. The goal is to filter these participants into the clubs through a number of initiatives such as written invitations to train with the local club U9/11s, encouraging parent involvement during clinics, school-based club clinics, half-time Auskick matches during senior fixtures and club gala nights. Possible option of offering free gate entry to senior games for Auskick participants and their families for such events. We have rearranged the timing of each school-based Auskick clinic to further assist with junior recruitment to schools zoned to each specific club. I believe it will be highly beneficial to further market the affordability of club fees for 2012 registered Auskick participants (only paying the insurance costs, though will wait on approval from junior executive for 2012). It is vital that parents are particularly aware of this great concept, which ultimately makes AFL one of the most ‘value-for-money’ sports in Mackay at a junior level.
Ultimately, our main aim is to have more kids playing and enjoying our great game. Whilst club culture isn’t built overnight, though if we all embrace the sport, the region is destined to build a reputable AFL football culture. 2012 is set to be a promising and exciting year for AFL in Mackay and we look forward to the challenges that lay ahead.
Last Modified on 12/01/2012 18:01