Kickin' it 'round Deanmore

By Dave Sutherland.

ON THURSDAY 7 August it will be exactly 150 years since the first recorded game of Australian Football was played. And people around the country are being encouraged to kick a footy to celebrate.

Schools, organisations and individuals will all be involved. And as is usually the case when Australians turn their minds to something, a whole lot of creative ideas for participation have emerged.

So far almost 300 schools – both primary and secondary – have registered to be involved in the day, and the number is steadily rising. Activities that various schools have come up with for the day include sausage sizzles, face painting, decorating the school in club colours and handball competitions.

Deanmore Primary School near Perth has come up different idea. On Kick Around Australia Day every student at Deanmore will be involved in an attempt to kick a footy around the perimeter of the school without letting it touch the ground.

“It’s optimistic I know,” says PE teacher and football ambassador at the school Dan Rodgers. “Especially considering we’re including the pre-primaries as well.”

Dan came up with the concept shortly after receiving word of the impending event through the AFL and the West Australian Football Commission. He says that as soon as he heard the words “Kick Around Australia” the idea of “Kick Around Deanmore” leapt into his head.

“As PE teacher I’m always trying to come up with innovative ideas to keep kids interested and engaged in sport,” he says. “So I guess that’s the way my brain works!”

Dan and the rest of the school community are hoping for fine weather on the day, but have back up plans in the case of rain.

“We’ve got a fair bit of space undercover here,” he says. “We’ll do a Kick Around the Courtyard or something if the weather’s really shocking.” 

Both boys and girls will be participating. The school has very healthy numbers involved in its Auskick program, with around 40% of participants being girls.

“And they’re really good at footy, let me tell you,” says Dan.

The kids at Deanmore will also wear their favourite team guernseys on the day. Dan Rodgers says that although most of the teams from the AFL will be represented, he estimates something like 80% of the kids will turn up in West Coast garb.

“And I think there will be about four Dockers supporters,” he laughs.

To register your school go to afl.com.au/schools.