AFL Auskick is where champions begin. It is where boys and girls first pull on the boots and learn their drop punts from their torpedos.

Safe and fun, AFL Auskick and associated programs are the ideal introduction to football for children aged from four years of age.

Through skill games, activities and modified match practice participants will learn and familiarise themselves with all the skills required to become the next AFL champion!

AFL Auskick is fun for the kids and stress-free for parents and is facilitated with the help of parents and volunteers and managed by the community, for the community. The NAB AFL Auskick program is where it all starts. Children aged from four to eight learn the fundamental skills required to participate in Australian football. The kids are grouped depending on their age, school year and playing experience.

At the Mosman Swans we run three distinct programs under the Auskick banner, these being:

Minikick for pre-schools and kindy kids (age guideline 4 to 5). This is a fun introduction to Auskick for the “rookies”, with a parent or carer to attend all sessions to assist the Minikick coordinator. Each session runs for 1 hour at Middle Head Oval. All players receive an Auskick pack and trophy.

Auskick for kids in year 1 (age guideline 5 to 6), with weekly sessions of 75 minutes, all at Middle Head Oval. All players receive an Auskick pack and trophy.

Superkick for kids in year 2 (age guideline 6 to 7), with weekly sessions of 75 minutes, mainly at Middle Head Oval but with the option of travelling to participate in Gala Days and carnivals against other clubs. All players receive a team photo and trophy.

Please note all financial players will be issued a colour coded cap to show what program they are in. Wearing of caps to all sessions is compulsory.

In all programs kids will learn new skills and play fun games. There's no tackling or rough play. Parents are encouraged to participate and enjoy a physical activity with their children.

Mosman Swan’s Auskick is played on Sundays, 8.00 am at Middle Head Oval, Middle Head Road, Mosman.

Sessions usually consist of a warm up, skill activities designed to improve and familiarise participants with the necessary skills of the game and ending in a modified game where children can hone their skills in a safe, controlled environment. A normal Sunday morning would consist of the following;

10 minutes warm up activity and welcome; 30 minutes learning skills and practicing drills; 30 minutes mini games; and 5 minutes team song, finish.

Players rotate between forward, centre and back positions in all games. We conclude each session with the Club song.

In Auskick there is no tackling and no scrimmage. In Auskick our EMPHASIS is on fun, safety, fair play and inclusion. Games are relaxed and non-competitive. Everyone is encouraged and get a fair go.

We attend a few gala days at other club venues, play at half time at senior and Swans matches and end the season with a mega gala day for all of Sydney North clubs in September.

Core Values Fun and safety Auskick is about learning physical and social skills.

The emphasis is on fun in a structured environment. The format is simple: fun warm ups; teaching skills by showing and practice followed by a non- competitive game of footy. Players are positioned in three zones to reduce congestion, but rotate positions in breaks.

The AFL rules are modified for maximum participation and opportunity for personal achievement. Auskick does not permit tackling, smothering, stealing the ball, diving on the ball or kicking off the ground. Further, to encourage skills, once a player gains possession all other players back off to allow the player to kick or handball unchallenged. The language of marks and possessions is AFL but the basic skills of kicking, catching and evasion are intrinsically useful and transferable to any sport.

Each week, encouragement awards are given out and the club song is sung. No Auskicker will ever feel left out. Emphasis is on being a good sport, developing physical and social skills and having fun.

Child and parental participation

Parents are encouraged to participate under the guidance of the coaches and they are amply rewarded by fun quality time in physical activity with their children.

Managed by the community for the community

Auskick depends on parental participation on the field and off the field. The program is well supported by the AFL and the volunteer coaches receive great training and support. Auskick families enjoy a friendly (non- competitive) atmosphere. Looking for numbers or being a reserve doesn't happen in Auskick. Every player is included.

Auskick is all about having fun, getting to know the other folks and participating in the development of your child/children and community.

More information and how to sign up

Auskick backpacks are loaded with interesting stuff including an Auskick ball, cap and drink bottle, team photos, participation trophy and insurance.

Talk about it at your school or preschool. Bring your friends along. Our first gathering will be in late March. All registered players will be contacted with details.

Note late registrations are welcome but early registration helps get ready for the season.

Parents with potential Auskickers should download the registration form on the registration page of this site and send to the Mosman Swans registrar, Leisa Johnston. Online registration is also expected to be available prior to season commencement if you prefer paperless registration.