World Footy News

Scottish Auskick is a juniors program that will teach children the fundamental skills needed to play Aussie Rules. The organisation was formed in late 2010 to cover a need to develop and grow the game in Scotland, especially at a junior level, and help alleviate some of the annual need to look for new mature aged players to play the sport that each club must go through.

It is hoped by teaching the game in Schools and setting up junior leagues, these players will then progress to Club and hopefully International level.

It was decided to use the name Scottish ‘Auskick’ and retain the link with the already established and successful NAB Auskick program in Australia so that people would perhaps recognise what the program was about instantly when they heard the name. Rather than rush into a program we decided to first seek the correct accreditation to enable our Coaches to teach in Schools and in the community, and for this, Scottish Auskick would like to thank ‘AFL Auskick’ and Disclosure Scotland for their support and guidance throughout the process.

In March this year, Adam Jack of the Glasgow Sharks established initial contact with the Glasgow Council as an enquiry about attending some local primary Schools. After meetings with Scottish Auskick Coach Stephen Connor a program was developed and agreed that would see them go into 4 Primary Schools for 3 weeks to teach the basics to Children aged 7-11.

The kids were really enthusiastic about the whole program and picked up Marking and Kicking quite quickly, Handballing took a little more work and learning to bounce the ball for some was difficult but improved as the weeks went on. This program finished on June 24th and the feedback from the Council, pupils and teachers was so positive that follow on programs are being arranged for next term for these schools and others in the Glasgow Area.

On the back of this original program, Glasgow Council invited Scottish Auskick to be part of their Summer Camps aimed at getting local Children involved in new sports, activities and teaching them about healthy eating and Nutrition. The Camps are currently running throughout the school holidays and in the first week we have been received well with good numbers showing interest.

The Glasgow Sharks were the first Club side to contact Scottish Auskick with a view to developing a Club program for Children. After looking at what would be required they have decided to align a program for Kids to run alongside their current Sunday training. This will hopefully bring the parents along to assist and get to know the sport as well give the kids the opportunity to see the game being played by adults and learn more about the Skills required.

There are video diaries on the Glasgow Sharks YouTube page which are interviews with Scottish Auskick coach Stephen Connor in which he reflects on the idea of the program and looks ahead to what is next for the program.

For more, visit the Scottish Auskick Facebook page.

Video Diaries

Week One :

Week Two :

Week Three :