Record WA Numbers for NAB AFL AuskickWednesday, August 23, 2023 - 11:00 AM

Local clubs and volunteers have been praised for helping drive WA NAB AFL Auskick numbers to record levels in 2023.

Figures confirmed by the West Australian Football Commission show 16,430 boys and girls across the state participated in the NAB AFL Auskick program this year, up 175 from the previous WA record which was set in 2021.

Troy Kirkham, Executive Manager Game Development and Community Football at the WAFC, is delighted with the growth of the game at Auskick level.

"It’s an outstanding result for footy and Auskick in WA, and to have passed our previous highest record is something that everyone in football should be proud of,” Kirkham said.

"The success of the program is a tribute to the dedication of those at clubs around the state.

“It’s a testament to the great work of the clubs and volunteers within our local communities."

From our club Presidents to our Auskick co-ordinators at our local centres, they all do a wonderful job promoting Auskick and retaining participants.

“Creating positive, welcoming and inclusive environments is critical, and our clubs and Auskick centres make the program such an enjoyable one to be part of," Kirkham said.

The boom in female footy continues, with 331 more girls in WA taking part in Auskick compared to this time last year, a significant rise of 15 per cent.

“Women’s sport has seen some amazing growth in the past few years, including in the AFL, and with a new season of AFLW approaching we’ll hopefully see the momentum continue around female engagement and registration in Community Football,” he said.

Far from being content with having achieved a new record, Kirkham believes there remain ways to attract more boys and girls to Auskick.

"We’ll continue to drive registrations and connecting more children to the game through a safe, fun and fair entry level program such as Auskick," he said.

“Opportunities such as the Rookie Series will continue to provide a safe transition program for kids from Auskick into Junior Football, and as a game we will continue to look for opportunities to enhance the program and support children and their families to participate in Australia Rules Football."

To be part of your local community football centre register at: play.afl