Auskick Gala Day Kick Starts Football JourneyWednesday, August 10, 2022 - 3:07 PM - by Mark Readings

The WA Football Commission will host another two NAB AFL Auskick Gala Days this weekend as part of a campaign to increase participation.

The West Perth District Gala Day will be held on Saturday at Pentanet Stadium, then on Sunday, the Claremont District Gala Day will be staged at City Beach Oval, hosted by the West Coast Junior Football Club.

Andrew Ridley, Community & Participation Manager at the West Australian Football Commission, encourages parents and children to join the fun.

“NAB AFL Auskick is the best way to introduce kids to the great game of Aussie Rules Football.

It’s all about enjoying the experience, handling the ball, and constantly being involved in exciting activities.

The Gala Days celebrate what our NAB AFL Auskickers have learnt through the footy season.

In a festival environment, it also offers our young Auskick players the chance to play modified "NAB AFL Auskick" matches against neighbouring clubs, many for the first time.

The day also provides opportunities to connect with other football families, play as a team, and experience what footy club environments are like, beyond the skills based Auskick Program,” Ridley said.

A NAB AFL Auskick Gala Day is run in each of the 9 metropolitan WAFL Zones, each with between 300-500 participants playing small fixtured modified matches.

Last weekend, more than 400 boys and girls from junior clubs within the Subiaco District participated in a Gala Day.

Subiaco League, Reserves and Colts players ran coaching clinics and games for the children between matches.

Auskick offers an inclusive environment for boys and girls aged between 5 and 8 with varying skill levels.

“It’s about the team, about the game and about looking the part.

The look on the faces of the kids is what this event is all about.

Witnessing the high fives when a goal is scored or a ball is marked, and the cheers from the parents are priceless.

It makes us confident that events such as the NAB AFL Auskick Gala Day are all about creating memories, positive experiences, and a lifelong love of our game

This is where the football journey starts for a lot of players,” said Ridley.