Another successful Narrabri Auskick season wrapped up at Leitch Oval last Thursday night when the final session and presentation were held.
Auskick in Narrabri, under the guidance and determination of local co-ordinator Ebonnie Whan and the dedicated coaches, parents and other helpers, has gone from strength to strength across the past two seasons.
Whan is hoping that it returns even bigger and better in 2024.
“What a night. Our Auskick grand finale went off with a big bang,” Whan said.
“We enjoyed a final and fun session before the biggest kick comps.
“Jack Treseder won the little kids, Fletcher Whan won the big kids and Scott Hogden won the big, big kids.
“We had pizza delivered for dinner and all Auskickers were presented with a medal, certificate and personalised footy card.
“We’ve had a tremendous season this year. In two years, we’ve gone from 0 to 39 to 80 kids registered for Auskick.
“We thank our local families for taking a chance on AFL and bringing your kids down to Number Three Oval every Thursday for the last 10 weeks.
“You’re helping Aussie rules grow in the north west and it’s very exciting.
“We have had a focus on fun, footy, fitness, friends and family, and it’s been a pleasure to be a part of each week; to see relationships building between children and adults, skills developing on-field and confidence growing.”
Whan also thanked local businesses that have supported Auskick this year in Narrabri, as well as coaches Alister McClenaghan, Todd Dunn, Duncan Vennell and Peter Whan, and the many helpers including parents, local senior players and AFL officials.
This season, Narrabri Auskick has donated 70 AFL balls to three schools and a childcare centre in Narrabri.
Young players have also taken part in gala days around the north west, playing junior footy against Armidale, Tamworth, Gunnedah, Inverell and Glen Innes.
The Namoi Eagles junior team was formed and the youngsters played in the team’s new footy jumpers on home soil last month.
Whan described it as a momentous occasion, being the first time junior Australian rules football has been played competitively in Narrabri.
While the 2023 season is now over the excitement certainly has not stopped. In nine days’ time, Narrabri Auskickers will take the field for a half-time game on the Gold Coast at Metricon Stadium during the AFL match between Gold Coast Suns and Carlton Blues.
