way for kids to get outside, learn a few new skills and to socialise with others. Our Billy’s Buddies program is designed to help kids learn how to pass a footy, run around and to do movements that are similar to footy, but, let’s not forget that we want to have fun, especially, as we are teaching 2- to 6-year olds. The fundamentals that we teach, provide kids with great skills to take with them to any sport or just to be healthier. DO GIRLS ENJOY IT TOO? Absolutely! The skills and activities that our fantastic coaches teach each session are designed for anyone. Adding to this, it’s non-contact, it’s heaps of fun and no two weeks are the same. Each 40-minute session is based on a different theme so the children are taken on a fun and exciting journey through theme-based games and activities – the skills and drills are all learnt subconsciously. We have designed our Billy’s Buddies program with kids in mind, they need to enjoy it. DO YOUR OWN KIDS E N J O Y P L A Y I N G R U G B Y L E A G U E ? Our kids enjoy all sports, they always have! Jake has played rugby league for four years now. Tyla does dancing and acrobatics. We often go to the park and make up little games together. Seeing our kids have fun outside is really important to my wife and I. WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST A B O U T C O A C H I N G L I T T L E K I D S ? I feel that it’s important for all kids to have the opportunity to be the best that they can be. I enjoy seeing them learn something
new, meet a new friend and have a great big smile on their face. I enjoy giving back as much as I can. WHAT AGE DID YOU FIRST START K I C K I N G A B A L L A N D P L AY I N G R U G B Y L E A G U E ? I have been playing rugby league ever since I can remember. I think I was three or four years old when I first started. I have very fond memories of running around, kicking a footy and being around a bunch of my mates. I’ve always loved it. WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE THING TO D O W H E N Y O U H AV E A D AY O F F ? Something with my family. Our last day off together we went to the zoo. I think Mum and Dad had just as much fun as the kids did! TELL US SOMETHING ABOUT YOURSELF THAT THE READERS M I G H T N O T K N O W … My wife and I met at a pony club when we were 13. We both have a passion for horses and like country music.
It’s non-contact and heaps of fun! AND THE PROGRAM HAS R E C E N T LY W O N A N AWA R D! TELL US ABOUT THAT... Yes! Billy’s Buddies has won Best National Preschooler Activity in the 2019 What’s On 4 Kids Awards - Recognising Excellence in Australian Kids Activity Industry. It’s such a fantastic achievement. To be just three years old and win a national award is fantastic, I’m super proud of the whole team.
Billy Slater’s own two children, Jake and Tyla, were the inspiration behind Billy’s Buddies.
“IF WE PROVIDE THEM WITH A POSITIVE SET OF EXPERIENCES WHEN THEY ARE YOUNG, THEN THEY WILL BE ACTIVE FOR MANY YEARS TO COME.”
K I D S O N T H E C O A S T.C O M . A U • K I D S I N T H E C I T Y.C O M . A U
J U LY / A U G U S T 2019
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