WA Footy District Development Officers unite for StarkickTuesday, June 1, 2021 - 12:58 PM

Football rivalries were cast aside last weekend, as District Development Officers from across Metro Districts, came together to support Starkick players and families during a weekly training session. Despite some early rain, the morning was packed full of footy fun, lots of skills, and most importantly plenty of smiles.

The positive influence District officers had on participants was clearly evident when 10 year old Tate commented “That was the best fun ever!” Likewise Bodhi, 13 and now into his seventh season of Starkick, was grinning from ear to ear after enjoying a kick-to-kick session with one of his WAFL idols, in West Perth’s Kris Shannon.

Starkick, which first launched in 2015, is a program that caters for boys and girls aged 5 and above who by circumstance or choice may not be able to participate in a traditional football environment. The program aims to cater for all disabilities and follows a simple mantra - “If you want to play, we will find a way”. 

The Western Australian Football Commission are committed to supporting the continued growth of the program, having recently appointed Rob Geersen to the role of Starkick Coordinator.

Rob went on to say “The core values of Starkick are really quite simple, it’s all about community and inclusion. We are just taking what exists at hundreds of footy clubs across WA and opening the doors a little wider, to ensure everyone is welcomed inside.”

Heading into 2021 Starkick is now running at 10 community clubs across Perth metro as well as the South West. Starkick is run right alongside the centres NAB AFL Auskick programs. The same bright and colourful equipment is used, as well as the modified activiites that are specifically designed to help develop the fundamental movement skills in kids. 

To find out more about joining a club near you please contact - starkick@wafc.com.au or visit www.starkick.com.au