Team sports, like AFL, are a great way for young kids to make friends, develop skills, have fun, keep fit and learn that being part of a team means you can have great experiences and achieve great things you can’t do on your own. It helps kids learn that by working together, by helping their teammates, by thinking they are a valued part of a team and not just an individual in a team, they can make a positive difference and bring out the best in those around them as well as themselves.
Likewise they learn that if they are having an off game, get injured or drop the ball, that their teammates have their back and are there to help them out, support them, pick them up and let them know it’s “Ok”.
The kids start to learn that the stronger their team is as a whole, the better off they are - for the good and bad times. And these are valuable skills/traits the kids take off the field, into life, into the wider community.
Another wonderful way to help kids learn that there are other great benefits to playing AFL besides kicking a goal, is for their on field heroes to show them they can be off field heros as well. Simply by thinking of their ‘other team’, their community. That’s why this weeks Battle of the Bridge between the GIANTS and Swans is More-than-a-game!
In support of White Ribbon Australia, male led Campaign to end men’s violence against women, the match will be more than just an awesome round of footy. There will be a low level fly-by of an Air Force C-130J Hercules, a heap of fun activities including a player appearance at half time, and much more. It will raise awareness and support for this issue that so adversely affects not just the women subjected to violence, but the whole community. As the kids have learn’t on the field with their team, so it is off field with the community; both we and the community can’t be strong and flourish unless everyone is given the support and freedom to shine. Where all women live in safety free from all forms of men's violence.
So enjoy what will surely be a great game of footy. Help support the GIANTS to another victory over the Swans (sorry Swans’, but..). And help support White Ribbon by buying a white ribbon and talking about it with friends/family/kids - swear never to commit, excuse or remain silent about violence against women.
Last Modified on 21/08/2015 15:54
