Article and Images provided by the Hervey Bay RSL.
GRANTS: The Hervey Bay RSL Community Grants Program has seen primary school students from around the region kicking goals in this year’s AFL Queensland NAB AFL Auskick programs.
A $10,000 community grant has allowed AFL Queensland staff to deliver programs at four local schools, including Hervey Bay Special School, Bayside Christian College, Pialba State School, and Howard State School, and clinics for additional classes.
Programs were provided to 300-plus kids over six weeks.
Wide Bay Participation, Programs and Competitions Lead Kieron Hyndman said the community was grateful for the funding and the opportunity it has provided.
He said the benefits of taking part in the sport are endless.
“Many of the participants in these programs would not have been able to take part without this funding,” he said.
“The NAB AFL Auskick program provides a fun, safe, and social environment for kids to learn the different skills of AFL and incorporates gross motor skills, spatial awareness, and social interaction in a fun learning environment.
“The overall benefits of the program include general health and well-being after a covid impacted few years, the skills and fun games can also be mirrored at home or during students’ lunchtimes.
“Exposing kids to a game they may not have experienced and showing the pathway to their local community football club will also help to strengthen connections between the club and local schools.”
Kieron said the program also exposed the local AFL clubs in the area, encouraging parents and students to become involved in ongoing community sports clubs.
“The value of inclusion in community clubs is significant, and we aim to transition more school students and families to clubs and have regular social and sporting events to attend to build community networks.
“AFL Queensland strives to be the most accessible and inclusive sport.”
The RSL also assisted with local AFL events this year, including the end-of-season Footy4Fun Carnival.
In 2021, The Hervey Bay RSL provided $3000 towards regional Schools Cup winners travelling to the semi-finals.
