Girls
Australian football is a great way for girls of all abilities to make friends, keep active and learn new skills.
The NAB AFL Auskick program is for both boys and girls. There is no tackling, modified rules and an inclusive atmosphere. NAB AFL Auskick is fun, safe and a terrific way to get young girls of all abilities involved in sport.
The AllPlay website has numerous tips to make NAB AFL Auskick more inclusive and these apply equally well to boys and girls.
Here are some extra tips to include girls of all abilities.
Sport can provide many important benefits for girls such as improving physical health and functioning, opportunities for teamwork and leadership experience, enhancing social networks, and increasing independence and self-confidence.
Encourage
Give lots of encouragement! Girls with disabilities may need to first be encouraged by their families, friends, teachers and coaches to play sport, but once they start and enjoy the benefits of playing sport they are likely to become self-motivated to play.
Model
There are many great female athletes who have disabilities. Think of a girl with a disability as an athlete and like any other child participating in NAB AFL Auskick.
Adapt
Don’t move to alternative roles, like score keepers, too soon. Make adaptations to allow girls with disabilities to really participate – all children should be encouraged to participate in all activities.
