A Flying Start to Auskick!

What a way to kick off our first Auskick session of the season! On Sunday, we welcomed to Wandsworth Common 25 excited young footy stars-in-the-making who hit the ground running—some for the very first time. 

Our youngest participant was just three years old, and the oldest was fifteen, with a mix of boys and girls taking part. The oval was a colourful sea of footy jumpers from across the AFL, clearly no parental bias from where in Australia they hail from! 

We split the group into three age-based squads: 

• The oldest group, kids above 10, led by Coaches Nick, Hamish and Luke 

• Our youngest players, kids under 5 coached by Steph and Bec 

• The biggest group, kids aged 5–10, with Coaches Blake and Ed 

Skills, smiles and spirited kicks 

Our above 10 years old group showed some impressive footy skills right off the bat. The coaches worked with them to refine their kicking and handball techniques before moving into more structured drills that focused on moving the ball down the field. The session wrapped with some flashy goals and great teamwork—because every age group needs to learn how to finish strong! 

“It was so much fun running around and helping out with the kids, and they had really good energy for a hot London morning. Everyone got stuck in and gave the drills a go, with the highlight being the banana kicks for goal to finish. Awesome session!” Hamish, parent  

The 5–10 age group had energy levels that could’ve powered the floodlights! They worked through the basics—handballing, kicking, and fun drills, even getting their parents involved to show off new skills, and wrapped up with a crowd favourite: a “keepings off”-style game that had kids laughing, running and scoring non-stop. 

Coach Blake said Helping coach AusKick was a fantastic opportunity, and one I enjoyed greatly. It's amazing to see that level of enthusiasm and effort and from such young people. Footy is truly alive and well in London! " Blake Prichard, Wandsworth Demons  

The youngest group (under 5s) had a gentle but joyful introduction to footy. Coaches Steph and Bec started with a game of “angry ogre” to break the ice, followed by handball basics and lots of fun drills tailored for little hands and legs. 

Coach Steph summed it up perfectly, “The littlies had so much fun, they might be small, but their enthusiasm is huge!” Steph Cowdroy, West London Wildcats  

We wrapped up the day with our ‘Certificates of Awesomeness’ presentation for all kids who completed their first Auskick session. The smiles said it all. A group photo sealed the memory of a fantastic first day, and the kids are already counting down the days until session number two. 

Organiser Charley summed it the relaunch: “Footy was such a part of my life growing up in Bendigo and I'm excited that we are creating that same experience for kids growing up in the UK” Charley Daniel, AFL London Secretary  

Thanks to all the coaches, parents for making the journey, and especially our little footy legends for an unforgettable restart! 

We will be hosting the second session of Auskick alongside the Qualifying Finals day of AFL London's 2025 season. The intention is to split into age groups and have a combination of activities and then mini games on the field between two of the finals.  

Expression of Interest form: https://forms.office.com/r/SZRuFf1QcF   

Once you have completed the expression of interest form you will receive the details (including session 2 registration form) in respect of session two and all future Auskick sessions.  

If you completed register of interest prior to session one you don't need to complete the form again.  

Session 2 Details  

Saturday 19 July 2025  

Location: Clapham Common 

Wandsworth Demons Oval (10 Clapham Common North Side, London SW4 9SA)  

Registration 11:30 for 11:40 start.  

Activities:  11:40 - 12:15pm, water break and run on   

Games on field: 12:20 - 12:50pm   

Presentation: 12:50 - 12:55pm  

We note that the schedule for the finals will be confirmed on Sunday 13 July and any changes to the time of the session due to scheduling will be advised via email then.