Toddler football program proves a successThursday, July 18, 2013 - 2:42 PM

The West Australian Football Commission and West Perth Football District launched a new program over the month of June that uses football to build fundamental movement skills in children aged 18 months to 4.5 years.

Footy Fundamentals was trialled as a 4 week program at Arena Joondalup for three age groups- 18months – 2.5years, 2.5years – 3.5 years and 3.5 – 4.5 years where kids can progress on to the hugely popular Auskick model.

The program proved so successful it will become a regular fixture with a seven week program to be launched in Term 3 with Monday and Thursday class options.

"This is an exciting concept for football,” said West Perth Emerging Markets Officer Scott Minchin.

"We have developed a program with the aid of local educators and physical education specialists that aims to prepare our kids for the future.

"Fundamental Movement Skills are patterns of movement that involve different body parts such as the legs, arms, trunk and head and include skills such as running, hopping, catching, throwing, striking and balancing. These skills are the foundation movements to more specialised, complex skills used in kids games, sports, dance and every day activities," he said.

WAFC Manager of Junior Football Troy Kirkham said the program was one of a kind.

"The Falcons program is an exciting step forward for football and is an exciting opportunity for local families to embrace. The AFL is currently reviewing the concept with plans to release a similar program Australia wide," he said.

The program uses locomotor skills in a fun, structured environment that involves parents utilising balls and football games to aid their child’s development.

During the period from 15 months old to 3 years a child develops physical capabilities which progress from being able to 'toddle' around unsteadily– having only recently taken baby first steps – into confident mastery of a broad range of complex physical skills such as throwing, catching, running, balancing and kicking.

The program is open to both boys and girls with only 45 places are available - 15 in each age group class.

Term 3 Applications are now open.

To register visit www.falconsdistrict.com.au or phone 9300-3611.

 Picture: Amelie Ridley (18months) from Beldon enjoying football play.