Students from St Thomas More College Marsaxlokk Primary School had a two-day experience of Auskick and as they were introduced to this new game in Malta by Mr Grant Williams, Head of Community & International Development at AFL and Ms Natasha Howells from the Australian High Commission in Malta.
SportMalta together with The Australian High Commission and The Australian Football League has announced that it will be extending its winter sports programme through this new initiative. The Auskick programme originated in Australia in 1988 with its main aim being that of promoting Australian Football amongst boys and girls at a very young age. Each week children will be taught the skills of the game such as kicking, handballing, marking and bouncing.
The Australian High Commission welcomed Mr. Grant William, Head of Community and International Development for the Australian Football League (AFL, also known as ‘Aussie Rules’), as a special guest where he spent a week in Malta to promote the Auskick programme. His activities included an introductory session during a sports day at The Kirkop Sports Complex followed by a practical session at The Marsaxlokk Primary School.
On Tuesday 24th May, 115 students attended a Sports Day at the Kirkop Sports Complex. During this activity the children aged 5 to 11 participated in various sports activities focusing on motor skills.
During the first part of the activity all the children watched several short video clips which gave the children the opportunity to get to know the game. Mr Williams explained what the game is about and answered to several questions asked by the children.
During the second part of the activity the three older year groups worked in stations related to Auskick and had their first experience with the Auskick ball.
On Wednesday Mr Williams and Ms Howells visited the school at Marsaxlokk. 63 students from Year 4, 5 and 6 had a 45 minute session each in the school’s playing grounds. They practiced various skills with the ball and other motor skills.
The children enjoyed all the sessions and participated with great enthusiasm and hopefully will participate in future Auskick sessions.
