West Aussie Kids Ready for Return of Auskick Wednesday, February 21, 2024 - 3:02 PM

It’s time to pump up your footy, throw on your favourite team colours and cut up the oranges, NAB AFL Auskick is back in WA – and aiming for another record-breaking season. 

After 126,245 NAB AFL Auskickers broke the all-time registered participation record nationally in 2023, the AFL is hoping its Auskick community can soar to more than 140,000 kids across Australia this year.  

 With a focus on ‘Finding Your Awesome’ and ‘Fun First, Footy Second’, this season Auskick is all about doing it ‘For the Kicks’ – and that includes the parents too! 

Get a kick out of making new friends, spending time with family, learning new skills and connecting with people in your community. 

The benefits the Auskick family provide are so much more than simply learning how to kick and mark a footy. 

Now entering its 29th year, NAB AFL Auskick is Australia’s leading participation program with more than 4,000 centres around the country.  

Upon signing up, every little Auskicker receives money-can’t-buy goodies including a unique pack of exclusive footy gear, an Auskick Junior Club Membership for the AFL club of their choice (including access to games!), and the chance to play during halftime at elite AFL and AFLW matches. 

On hand at the national launch in Melbourne, AFL CEO Andrew Dillon said NAB AFL Auskick is a terrific way for children and their families to connect with Australian rules football as the AFL strives to have footy in every home. 

“The wonderful thing about NAB AFL Auskick is that kids and parents don’t need any experience or prior footy knowledge to participate, this program is all about learning, having fun and giving it a go,” Dillon said.  

“While we’re very proud that NAB AFL Auskick is Australia’s leading participation program and we broke our record in 2023, we’re always looking for new ways to improve the Auskick experience and make sure it’s safe and inclusive for all children around Australia. 

“Across last year and heading into this season we’ve had a focus on offering ‘All Abilities’ clinics, including specific Wheelchair Auskick centres, as well as encouraging centres to support ‘All Girls’ sessions, which is a key priority outlined in our Women and Girls Action Plan.  

“We’re also providing more options for before and after school clinics, giving families added flexibility to participate in Auskick by freeing up weekend time which we know fills up quickly.  

“As we try to break another record this season, pleasingly we saw growth in Auskick numbers across all states last year compared to 2022 – which was up 13 per cent overall – and with more than 34,000 kids already registered this season, we’re on track to exceed last year’s number. 

“As we head into another season, I’d like to thank all the parents, volunteers, coordinators and coaches who make Auskick possible for kids and families. We know a lot of work goes into these sessions, so thank you for your support and dedication to our game. 

“I’d also like to take this opportunity to thank NAB for its continued partnership, helping kids connect with Australian rules footy. This program is often a child’s first experience with football and NAB play an important role in making Auskick a positive experience.” 

NAB Group Executive Digital, Data and Chief Operating Officer, Les Matheson, said he was proud to support AFL Auskick and looks forward to cheering on another season of mini legends.  

"NAB AFL Auskick will be back, bigger and better than ever, ready for another year of footy and community fun," Mr Matheson said. 

"Every year we're blown away by Auskick's growth, and 2024 will be no exception. 

"We're delighted that Team NAB AFL Auskick will again offer 23 Auskickers the chance to join their heroes when they run out onto the MCG on Grand Final Day. 

"Good luck to all our mini legends this season!" 

The AFL’s investment in grassroots footy will hit $1 billion over the next 10 years as it strives to have one million participants by 2033, with NAB AFL Auskick and grassroots footy playing a key role to help strengthen the foundation of our game and achieve this ambitious target. 

For more information about NAB AFL Auskick and to register visit: play.afl/auskick  

About NAB AFL Auskick 

• NAB AFL Auskick is an introductory program for kids to connect with Australian rules football while having lots of fun and being active – it’s time to ‘Find Your Awesome!’   
• In weekly sessions, kids will focus on building football skills and playing in a safe and super fun setting. Expect small groups, heaps of games and parent/guardian involvement.    
• NAB AFL Auskick invites all children in WA aged 5-7 and 5-12 in some regions of the state no matter their knowledge, skill or ability, to participate in the non-contact program.    
• NAB AFL Auskick offers an inclusive environment for everyone to get involved, with optional ‘All Girls’ Auskick programs and All-Abilities Auskick centres available, including Starkick which has benefitted thousands of children and their families in WA.    
• More than 126,000 boys and girls participated in NAB AFL Auskick programs at more than 4,000 centres across the country in 2023 – setting a new record!   
• Auskick participants have the chance to feature in mini games during halftime at elite AFL and AFLW matches throughout the season, providing a once once-in-a-lifetime experience for many kids with their community club. 
• Upon signing up, all Auskickers get an awesome pack filled with cool footy goodies not available anywhere else.   
• Visit play.afl/auskick for more details.