The Western Bulldogs, in conjunction with AFL Goldfields, have successfully launched a new participation program for primary schools in the Ballarat and district region in 2022.
The Bulldogs in Schools Footy Skills Program is designed for primary schools already running a four-week Australian Rules Football unit within their physical education program.
For those schools who already run a football unit, registration in the Bulldogs’ program meant the school was provided with free equipment to run the program.
In 2021, the Footy Skills Program was piloted, and expressions of interest were sent out to 30 local primary schools, with 23 schools signing up for the program.
This year, the new participation program was opened to over 60 Ballarat & district primary schools, with a highly successful 43 schools registering.
Schools that register for the Bulldogs in Schools ‘Footy Skills Program’ received:
- 10 FREE Western Bulldogs size 2-4 Sherrin footballs
- A FREE Sherrin football carry bag
- A FREE Western Bulldogs school clinic
The teachers who registered their school for the program also received a special Western Bulldogs Ambassador Pack, including a coffee cup and Bulldogs Ballarat Beanie.
The 43 school were each provided ‘Footy Skills’ clinics during either Term 2 or Term 3, with some schools tying the clinics into their Footy Colours Day.
“Our Bulldogs in Schools Footy Skills program has been hugely successful in its first year, with 43 local Ballarat primary schools participating in the program and the football clinics involving over 3,989 students within the program,” said Bulldogs’ Ballarat Engagement Manager, Campbell Waring.
“We have received much positive feedback from the schools in relation to both the clinics conducted, as well as the equipment the school receives, which hopefully allows for more Australian Rules Football to be played at schools.”
The Footy Skills Program has been developed in partnership between the Western Bulldogs and AFL Goldfields, and as a part of the program there was also an optional Teachers Professional Development (PD) session during May in Term 2. This practical session was free, aimed at teachers and showcased a variety of football games and activities which could be used in a school setting.
The Western Bulldogs are hoping to continue the success of the ‘Footy Skills program’ in 2023, and are already aiming to expand the program to more schools.
The Western Bulldogs acknowledges funding support from the Victorian Government, which provides for Sport Development and Community Engagement programs in Ballarat.
