Kinderkick
Stage of AFLC Long Term Athlete Development Pathway = Active Start
What is KinderKick?
A fundamental motor skills program that is designed to target children aged three to five years. The Kinderkick program includes specific lesson plans to assist and enhance the developmental needs of each child’s physical and social well being. Children are taught in a supportive environment to help build their confidence and develop a sense of self through encouragement, support and feedback.
The lessons use equipment, themes and skills from Australian Football to diversify the experiences for the children.
Children at this age learn best through play, relationships and real life engagements. Kinderkick ensures this link and that all young children are provided with positive opportunities for movement skill development and improved physical competence. Participating in any physical activity has many benefits and active children are more likely to feel more confident, happy and balanced.
The sequential lessons will deliver a fun and developmentally appropriate program to build up fundamental motor skills and playing abilities in the young participants. The children will complete appropriate game based warm-up sessions, participate in target skill activities that is aimed at improving specific skills, being introduced to some of the equipment and skills of Australian Football and conclude with some calming, reflective activities.
The guide below is designed to show how your club can run an effective KinderKick program
KinderKick Details
Costs of KinderKick
A registration fee of $45 per child is generally charged to parents for enrolling in the 6-week KinderKick program. This designed to cover the costs to your club for running the program. The breakdown is included below:
$10 = Soft-touch footy – each student enrolled in the program receives a soft touch footy.
$20 = Participant Insurance – covered under AFL Canada’s insurance.
$15 = Venue hire/other ancillary costs.
Age Appropriate Equipment
The Kinderkick equipment is specifically chosen to support the development of children’s physical learning and to generate a fun, social experience.
The major difference in Kinderkick to other age related programs is the soft touch Australian footballs (pictured below) – these are smaller than regular junior Australian footballs and are made out of a soft padded material that is ideal for young children. Students receive a soft touch football as part of signing up to Kinderkick!
All other equipment required is listed in the individual session plans, and outlined before each activity. Please note, the equipment listed is suggested for the activities and would be available in any school or community centre setting. If this equipment isn’t available, it can be easily substituted with similar equipment that is available.
Venue
Kinderkick can be run outside on a grassy field, on a school/community center blacktop or a school/community center gym.
Weather and availability of resources will dictate where your club runs their KinderKick program.
Who can participate in KinderKick?
Kinderkick targets all children from three to five years of age. All sessions are age appropriate and support their developmental level. Our focus is on skill development, physical education and enjoyment.
Benefits of KinderKick:
During their participation in our Kinderkick programs, children develop and grow physically and emotionally. Through innovative, fun drills and activities, children develop coordination, balance and concentration. Therefore, with the incorporation of a variety of games, children learn to follow instructions, work as part of a team and develop their self-confidence and imagination.
Links to wellbeing:
KinderKick is based on the Early Years Learning Framework developed in Australia. As well as developing specific fundamental motor skills crucial to early years, children develop aspects of wellbeing listed below:
Learning Outcome: Children have a strong sense of wellbeing
Feels happy and content within themselves
Knowledge, skills and dispositions
- Children’s confidence, e.g. ability to manage challenges, new interaction, routines and situations
Feels happy and content in the company of others
Knowledge, skills and dispositions
- Desire to share joy, enjoy companionship and build satisfying relationships
Explores ways to promote their own and others’ health and safety
Knowledge, skills and dispositions
- Ways to be healthy and safe
- Increasing independence in managing personal hygiene and self-care.
Explores ways to promote their physical wellbeing.
Knowledge, skills and dispositions
- Confidence in developing movement skills and managing movement challenges
- Locomotor skills, e.g. hopping, running
- Balance, coordination, muscle tone, strength and flexibility
Session Plans
Head to the links below to view and download individual session plans
Session #1
Skills: Walking, Crawling, Throwing
Session #2
Skills: Marching, Bending, Throwing (Underarm)
Session #3
Skills: Running, Jumping, Twisting, Throwing (Overarm)
Lesson #4
Skills: Running, Galloping, Balance, Log Roll, Kicking