Australian football legend, TV personality and ‘Auskick Ambassador’, Robert “DIPPER” DePierdomenico, will be visiting Armidale at the New England Nomads’ ground (Bellevue Oval, UNE) on Friday, 23 February 2007 from about 3.30pm until 4.30pm. This special event marks the official launch of the 2007 Armidale Auskick season. Auskick is a program tailored towards introducing 5 to 12 year old girls and boys to the skills and excitement of Australian Rules football. According to Craig Collins, the Armidale Auskick co-ordinator, the level of interest and participation exploded in 2006.

‘We our now entering our third year and and coming off a really successful growth spurt last season. We are attracting kids from all over the place, from a wide range of local schools as well as from as far afield as Guyra, Uralla and Walcha’, he said. ‘Aussie rules is building a strong structure and support base in Armidale and now offers the kids a serious alternative to the other codes – one which emphasises fun, skill and safety. We are also coming off Grand Final appearances by the Nomads and the Sydney Swans in 2006 which spurred local interest. The Australian Football League sees Armidale as a growth centre and is backing us with Dipper’s visit on Friday and also a slot to field an Auskick side during half-time of the AFL fixture between the Sydney Swans and Fremantle Dockers, to be played at the Sydney Cricket Ground on 8 July 2007. For some Armidale kids this could be an experience of a lifetime.’

Anyone at all with an interest in Australian Football is welcome down to Bellevue to meet Dipper. Potential Auskick, under 14, under 16 and senior Nomads recruits will also have the opportunity to register their interest and meet Auskick and Nomads players and coaches. For further details, contact Craig Collins on 6772 4872.

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