Premier Game Aims to Convert New Players

26 April 2013

Premier Game Aims to Convert New Players

Anzac Day’s AF L match between St Kilda Saints and Sydney Swans at Westpac Stadium last night was a curtain raiser to community ‘Have a Go’ sessions aimed at introducing the game to more people.

Rob Vanstam, CEO AFL New Zealand says a variety of opportunities have been organised for Wellington people to experience the game following the premier clash.

They begin today (26 April) at the Basin Reserve where potential players can rub shoulders and learn the game’s finer points from New Zealand Hawks and South Pacific team members (10am – 2pm). The morning session is repeated at Hutt Park on 28 April prior to a game between the two teams at the same venue. Indoor sessions kick off at the ASB Sports Centre from 30 April.

All Have a Go sessions cater for ages 5-12, 13-17 and adults. Children will be introduced to the AFL KiwiKick fundamental skills of kick, catch, pass and bounce.

Vanstam says the sessions are a great opportunity for people to follow up on the Anzac Day game and taste the sport themselves. AFL New Zealand aims to introduce the code to 50,000 people annually.

KiwiKick has already scored as a sport in schools across the greater Wellington region following a $65,000 grant from KiwiSport through Sport Wellington in 2012.

The AFL KiwiKick programme has swept through five city schools and will be introduced to hundreds more children within the next three years. Sport Wellington believes it is an ideal code to back as the basic kick, catch, pass and bounce skills of KiwiKick are easily transferable to other sports.

KiwiSport Manager Peter Woodman-Aldridge says as the game is fresh to the country new players can quickly move through the grades.

“The more kids we can encourage to play either KiwiKick or another related sport, the better. This programme encourages parents to be involved so it is a great community sport,” he says.

For more information on the AFL NZ Have a Go sessions see www.aflnz.co.nz

ENDS

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