SAFETY AND INCLUSION FOR ALL

AUSKICK IS INCLUSIVE AND ACCESSIBLE TO ALL

Learn about what we are doing to support all young people to play.

Everyone who plays Auskick has the right to be safe, feel safe, and play safe. Our activities are non-contact, and we use softer footballs and round balls of all different sizes.

Wondering what an Auskick session could be like? These footy stories will get you started before arriving for all the fun.

The AllPlay Footy resources for parents, coaches and coordinators ensure children with disability can enjoy the Auskick experience.

What is an inclusive centre?

NAB AFL Auskick centres are inclusive to everyone. Coordinators play an important part in creating an inclusive environment at their centre. They make sure everyone feels welcome and involved, and that the environment and equipment is suitable and safe for players of all abilities. Coordinators could also direct the coaches to resources to support their disability awareness.

Auskick is a culturally safe, inclusive and welcoming environment. We want everyone to come along and be a part of our great game. You don’t need any knowledge of footy to get involved – it’s all about getting together, making new friends, and having fun while you learn!

Resources

Learn about the types of disabilities and strategies that will help you become a more inclusive coach.

GET INVOLVED

Access All Abilities centres

Everyone is welcome at all Auskick centres! They’re inclusive and accessible to everyone. However, we have set up some centres with disability front of mind, to make sure they can meet the needs of young people with disability. These are called Access All Abilities (AAA) centres.

When you visit our Club Finder, you’ll find them listed with AAA next to their name.

Contact clubhelp@afl.com.au or (03) 9643 1999 if you would like any support from the AFL
 

These centres and their coaches have:

  • Completed a venue accessibility audit, and know what type of centre they want to be - Disability Specific, Side by Side, or Integrated
  • Completed the AllPlay Footy Disability Inclusion Coaching Course
  • Visited the AllPlay Footy section to access the resources to support coaches, coordinators, parents and players
  • Identified a quiet space at the centre for young people and families to use if needed, available to access during every session
  • Considered other areas within the centre to hold sessions if needed, eg. indoors if the oval is too wet and muddy for young people who use wheelchairs/walkers
  • Used a diverse range of images and videos of people with disability on their website, social media and club newsletters to show they’re a welcoming and inclusive club
  • Provided the opportunity for families to tour the centre and meet the coach prior to the first session
  • Committed to review their Auskick registrations to find who in the group identifies as living with disability
  • Committed to display the session plan visually before the start of each session (eg. on a whiteboard) and explain the schedule verbally
  • Considered they may need one coach/volunteer per player, and have enough volunteers to support the group if needed
  • The coaches are caring, understanding and want to provide a positive experience for all players.

You can:

  • Visit the footy ground with your child to help them feel more familiar and at ease during their first session
  • Grab a football and practise together at home or a local park. No need to teach them anything, just let them hold and play with the ball as much as they’d like
  • Organise for a friend to go with your child to their first session. A buddy can help players feel at ease
  • Read the AllPlay Footy Stories with your child to introduce them to Auskick and familiarise them with how sessions typically run
  • Use the Auskick activities videos to learn more about what they’ll be doing during sessions
  • Fill out the Supporting your child’s participation at footy form and give it to the coach before their first session, so the coach can get to know your child and plan ways to support their participation
  • Arrive at the first session a little early to adjust to the surrounds and calm any nerves. Parents could also remind their child that they can feel comfortable letting the coach know if additional assistance is needed at any time during an activity. The coach is there to help!

MORE ABOUT SAFETY AND INCLUSION

We have many centres that have listed themselves as access all abilities. You can search for the centres nearest you on the Find an Auskick centre page, or get in touch with our customer service team at aflauskick@afl.com.au and we’ll be happy to help you find one.

We do have some girls only centres and some centres that run girls only groups. You can search for the centres nearest you on the Find an Auskick centre page, or get in touch with our customer service team at aflauskick@afl.com.au and we’ll be happy to help you find one.

Every Auskick centre has a coordinator who runs the administration side, and every age group has a main coach and helper coaches. We encourage all parents/guardians to get involved as Activity Helpers - no experience necessary! 

Sure can! We’re pleased to offer the first session of every program for free (subject to that centre’s capacity and COVID requirements) to trial Auskick before registering. Just make sure you chat to the centre coordinator before the session starts to let them know you’re there to try it out.  

For any community/club Auskick centres, an adult needs to be present for your Auskicker’s whole session. We love all parents/guardians to join in, so why not get involved in your child’s group? No experience necessary!