The AASC program is a national initiative that provides traditionally inactive primary school-aged children with access to free sport and physical activity programs in the after-school time slot of 3.00pm to 5.30pm. The program aims to provide positive and fun experiences that help children develop a love of sport that inspires them to join a local sporting club.
“I am delighted to receive this award,” said Gallagher. “It’s so rewarding to see kids getting active, finding their passion for sport and developing healthy habits for life.”
Darren Harris, AASC Victorian State Manager, noted the value of the award.
“High quality coaching is essential for the success of the AASC program and this award is one way of recognising coaches like Chris who excel in this area,” said Harris. “Chris is an inspiring coach who has consistently delivered high quality coaching programs throughout his involvement with the AASC program and has helped develop grassroots AFL programs in the Wyndham region..”
The WRFL's Kevin Hillier recently spoke with Chris about his role.
Please tell us what your role as Community Development Manager entails ?
My role started as a part time position, but due to the growth in the City of Wyndham and the clubs commitment to the community, the role was made full time at the start of 2011. The role involves the coordination of school based football programs, player involvement in local events, Auskick centre visits, local club visits, match day themed events, North Melbourne Football Club(NMFC)/WFC programs, coaching seminars and the organisation of our Morris Barlow development squad over pre season. All of our players are required to compete 3 community visits throughout the year, so the workload is spread between the playing group, and managed by myself, to ensure that all community groups can utilize our involvement in Wyndham.
Take us through the programs you run at schools etc?
Currently the club works in conjunction with the Australian Sports Commission, Wyndham City Council and the NMFC to roll out a number of school based programs aimed at enhancing physical activity and wellbeing in students. Currently we have players delivering after school sports programs on a daily bases around the Wyndham region and we are also involved in the Councils “Active Kids” school program aimed at grade 3 and 4 students participating in numerous sports throughout term 2. In partnership with NMFC, we run 4 sessions over 4 weeks as an introduction to football at primary and secondary schools. These sessions cover handball skills, kicking skills, marking and game sense, followed by a round robin tournament.
You are running the Wyndham Auskick centres. What does that involve, how many kids are involved, how many centres?
The role as District Manager of Wyndham Auskick involves me working together with AFL Victoria to oversee the 8 Auskick centres in Wyndham where a total of 684 children aged 5 – 12 yrs are registered in the Auskick program. As district manager, I visit each centre throughout the year, coordinate AFL/VFL half time grid games, run coaching courses, assist with recruitment of kids and also help with the establishment of new centres such a Manor Lakes Auskick.
What support does the Werribee FC give to Auskick centres and local clubs?
The WFC provides both local clubs and Auskick centres with numerous opportunities that help develop their clubs. Local clubs and Auskick centres play a significant role in developing young footballers so the WFC ensures that we assist clubs where possible. Some of the initiatives run by the WFC include Level 0 coaching courses for Auskick volunteers, coaching seminars ran by WFC senior staff, player visits and also the Morris Barlow development squad. This squad is run over our pre season and is aimed at 18 – 22year olds who want to take their football to a VFL level.
What is the Coach the Coaches program?
This program has been running for a number of years and is aimed at local coaches from all levels of football. The program is run at the WFC during a regular training session where all clubs in the surrounding regions are encouraged to send their coaches for a night of learning from Werribee’s coaching and fitness staff. This night is followed up by a game day experience with our senior coach Scott West, who takes the participants through pre game analysis. They then have the opportunity to sit in the coach’s box and get a great insight into the happenings on game day.
What are the Super clinics and who is involved?
These clinics are run by WFC and NMFC players over the school holidays at Avalon Airport Oval and attended by local Auskick participants, local school children and WFC/NMFC supporters. The kids are split into 5 different age brackets and then rotate through 5 different skill stations run by WFC and NMFC players. The participants are then invited to enjoy the blow up football field, fruit and drinks, show bag giveaways and the opportunity to get autographs from their favourite footballers.
Last Modified on 17/02/2013 10:57