Sports groups invited to help kids

THE national Active After School Communities Program (AASC) has been well received in the region with 21 sites helping get more kids into sport.

However, West Moreton regional co-ordinator Rodney Coxsedge is keen for more local sporting groups to try the free program aimed at primary school-aged children.

“We are getting a lot of good feedback at the moment, a lot of positives with more inactive kids who don't normally do activities or play sport getting involved in the program,” Coxsedge said.

“What we are looking for is more sporting clubs and organisations out there, especially in the Ipswich area, and community coaches who would like to come on board.”

The national program running since 2005 is designed to get non-active kids involved in sport or fun activities.

The options range from sports like hockey, rugby league and cricket to martial arts, bootcamps and multi-skill fun activities.

The program generally runs in hour-long sessions after school.

Twenty-six staff, mainly from outside school care centres, recently learnt about the program during an AASC development day at the Ipswich Police Citizens Youth Club.

“The main object of the day was to try and upskill them, give them a bit more knowledge on what the program was all about,” Coxsedge said.

“We showed them activities and games and that sort of stuff where they can try to get as many kids involved.”

The programs are run every term.

The next round of activities are planned in the second week of term 3, starting after next month's school holidays.

• Regional sporting clubs wanting to try the program can contact Coxsedge on 30318013 or email: rodney.coxsedge@ ausport.gov.au.