focusinterview. FOLLOWING THE SUCCESS OF THE AUSKICK PROGRAMME LOCALLY, A NEW CLUB IS BORN! JULIE MCLACHLAN: PRESIDENT; JEREMY THORNTON: VICE PRESIDENT; CRAIG MCLACHLAN: SECRETARY; NICOLE LUCKHURST: TREASURER AND JOE TAYLOR: AUSKICK CO-ORDINATOR FORM THE COMMITTEE OF THE MANNING VALLEY AUSTRALIAN FOOTBALL CLUB, WHICH LAUNCHES OFFICIALLY ON FEBRUARY 7 AT JOHNNY MARTIN OVAL, TAREE …
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here are plans to launch a new club (the Manning Valley Australian Football Club) in February – but first, some background ... How was it established there was a need for this new club, and what led to its formation? Craig and Julie McLachlan identified a gap in the local market and being big Australian Rules supporters, they worked on setting up a local Auskick Programme for children aged 5 to 12. This gave local children an alternative to the traditional sports in the area and hopefully could grow a grass roots supporter base that could lead to a fully-fledged club. Taree previously had an Australian Football team - The Hornets - in the later part of the 1990s, but since then no Australian Rules has been played. Tell us a little about the Auskick programme that’s been operating in Taree over recent years. Why do you think it’s been so successful locally? Auskick is a junior development programme of the Australian Football League (AFL) which teaches children from age five the skills and rules of Australian Rules Football in a fun and safe manner. In the established AFL states, it’s the first step towards playing junior football. Our Auskick centre became one of the fastest growing in NSW and at one stage had around 100 registered players. For us in a strong Rugby League area, it gave families the opportunity to try the game and become another option in the local sporting market. AFL is such a popular league and is now
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reaching into areas where We’re looking it previously had little to field teams in exposure. For us, it der 13s. under 11s and un ys meant if we could bo year and up group, At this level both as develop these children, , ay pl we now have a clear n ca s rl gi and we would hopefully odified m e ar path for the kids es m ga e th have enough youth is age to play the game. to be safe for th players ready to step Hopefully over time the group. ” up and play competitive age groups will expand, football representing The and in time a senior team Manning Valley. may re-emerge. Who are some of the key The official club launch will be on individuals that have worked really February hard to get this new club off the Where will this take place, and what ground? time should people turn up? Many have volunteered over the years, but The launch day will be at Johnny Martin Craig and Julie played the key role to kick it Oval Taree, which is the home of AFL in The off. Joe Taylor has also been there since day Manning-Great Lakes. We encourage all to one and is an ex Taree Hornets player. He come along from 10am and be part of the has taken on a key role in Auskick and even festivities. now has his young son, Callum, as one of the What activities will happen at the launch? emerging talents in the club. Craig and Julie’s I understand there’s some excitement family played important roles at various times, about the new team colours and mascot and now Nicole is part of the first executive. being finally revealed? For me (Jeremy) being born and raised in There will be heaps of games and activities Victoria and a mad Hawthorn fan since I was to give kids a taste of The AFL. Lots of AFL four years old, it’s a great thrill to be involved inspired fun, like large inflatable goals and in the birth of the club in The Manning-Great marking pads that they can try out. A BBQ Lakes. will be running, and we will have a number of What age categories will the new club prizes on the day for being involved. cater for, and are both male and female But yes, as much as it’s all about the fun players welcome? and getting the community involved, we We’re looking to field teams in under 11s want to unveil the club! Closer to lunch time and under 13s. At this level both boys and we will hold the official launch and present girls can play, as the games are modified to the name, colours and mascot to the crowd. be safe for this age group. With the Auskick The executive is sworn to secrecy about the detail, as we really want to hype this up. It’s programme continuing to develop the five
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a new sporting team in The Manning Valley, which is really exciting. It’s historic, and we will have a number of dignitaries on hand to help us present The Manning Valley AFC to the community. Does the club have (or are they looking for) any sponsors? The Auskick Centre has had a core group of supporters since day one, and the benefit this year is they will receive greater exposure as they will now be sponsors of Auskick and the junior teams. Anyone who has an interest in AFL or loves seeing the local kids get off the couch and into sport may want to lend their support. If you are interested in being part of the family, please let us know. Sponsorship opportunities are available now and have some good incentives. If readers aren’t able to make it to the launch, but would still like to join the club ... how do they do so? Best to get in touch with one of the members of the executive. Phone Julie McLachlan Club President on 0456 196 744. After the launch we will have more opportunities to register your interest in the club and Auskick. Where can readers find out more info? Find Manning Valley Australian Football Club on Facebook and like the page. This is where we announce a lot of the club news and information plus share the successes of the players. Thanks everyone.