Auskick is a great way for boys and girls to learn the skills of Australian Rules Football while having fun with friends. The focus is on fun, safety and ball-handling skill development (including kicking, marking and handball). In 2005, some 140,000 children (including 21,000 girls) played Auskick across the country. And this is hardly surprising. A recent newspaper report rated Australian Rules Football as the most popular sport in Australia, with 60% of all adults taking an interest in the game (Daily Telegraph, 12/1/2006).

Auskick can also offer some wonderful experiences and opportunities, with many Auskickers taking the field during half-time at AFL matches. On 24 July 2005, Armidale Auskick played Tamworth Auskick before a capacity crowd at the Sydney Cricket Ground, during the half-time break in the match between the Sydney Swans v West Coast Eagles (who later competed in the AFL Grand Final).

In Armidale, girls and boys from 5 to 12 years old are welcome to come along. Parents are encouraged to be involved in the sessions as well. It is not necessary to commit to coming every week and many children come along to Armidale Auskick following Saturday morning soccer matches. The Armidale Auskick clinic runs during the football season from 12 noon to 1.00pm on Saturdays at the Bellevue Oval, University of New England. Auskick will commence on the same day as the first home game of the New England Nomads (date to be fixed).

More information for parents and kids about Auskick (including rules and benefits) can be found through the AFL Auskick web-site.

To enquire about Armidale Auskick, please e-mail the address auskick at the newenglandnomads.net domain or phone Darren Ryder on 0427 331 973.