For thousands of active kids the thrill of heading down to their local NAB AFL Auskick centre is a weekly highlight, and so too for Auskick parents.

Born into a footy loving family, Scott Harty’s passion for Australian Rules was inevitable at an early age and it is responsible for some of his best memories growing up.  His passion for the game is just as strong today.

“Mum and dad both loved footy. Every Saturday morning, rain, hail or shine we would all head down to one of the suburban ovals and have a great time together watching a local game,” said Scott.

Like father like son - Scott now finds himself instilling in his two children the same passion for the sport that he developed from a young age, and when the time came for his kids to participate in Auskick, Scott couldn’t have been more supportive.

It’s a family pilgrimage every Saturday morning as Scott and his two boys head down to their local suburban oval in Melbourne where Ormond Auskick takes place. 

It is grassroots footy at its best, a sea of colour filled with eager young players keen to hone their skills. Sporting their favourite team colours and proudly wearing their footy boots, it doesn’t take too long before the smaller-sized footballs they practice with start flying through the air.

The parents congregate around the coffee van for a hot ‘cuppa’ in an attempt to escape Melbourne’s winter chill, while the adrenaline and excitement alone keeps the little Auskickers warm.

As each new skill is learnt and developed, it doesn’t take long before mum or dad are beckoned to “come and watch this!”
 
“I started out like any other parent, watching from the sidelines with my cup of coffee, encouraging the kids to do their best,” said Scott, adding, “One Saturday morning I was approached by the Coordinator and he asked if I could volunteer and help out during the clinic’s considering I was there with my sons every week.

“The decision to get involved was a no brainer! I was a football fan, a parent and most importantly I had witnessed first hand the positive effects the Auskick program has on young kids, which often extends far beyond football,” said Scott.

After completing his Accredited Auskick Coaching Course, Scott became a regular volunteer at the Ormond Auskick centre, coaching the kids every Saturday morning.

“I know the kids love heading to Auskick every week and I can see the enjoyment they get out of it. There truly is no better fulfillment for me, as a parent, than to finish a clinic and have a little preppy who you may have never really spoken to before, run up to you with a huge smile on their face and give you a hi-five saying how much fun they’ve had,” said Scott.

Recently, Scott was appointed Centre Coordinator and he is determined to continue fostering the growth of grassroots football while cementing the Ormond Auskick centre as pillar in the local community, currently with 150 participants and going strong.

“The centre absolutely brings families and the local community together.  It encourages a warm community atmosphere and provides a platform for parents and children to come together and share a common interest, whilst building relationships and having fun,” added a beaming Scott.

For many out in the suburbs, the local Auskick centre is where grassroots football fosters the first steps for many youngsters, not only into our great game, but also into social interaction amongst their peers.

The benefits of Auskick clearly extend beyond the borders of the football field.
Although two years apart in age, Scott says that Auskick has bought his two sons together outside of their time at the centre.

“The boys are at a similar age and learning similar skills at Auskick, so when they’re playing together in the backyard or when I take them down to the local park, I can see them enjoying each others company through the shared interest of Auskick.”

Every week, 168,000 children and their parents head to one of 2800 Auskick centres across the country to participate in NAB AFL Auskick. Scott Hardy’s story is just one of thousands of volunteers across the country who dedicate their time to provide a well organised, accessible, safe and healthy activity for kids to enjoy, 

For more information about NAB AFL Auskick visit nab.com.au/auskick today!