More than 128,000 children around Australia have joined the biggest, most awesome club of all in 2024 – NAB AFL Auskick – to break the program’s all-time registered participation record.
Surpassing last year’s record total figure of 126,245, the milestone number will continue to climb before the season officially closes on October 31, with registrations for NAB AFL Auskick now open for terms three and four.
The new record follows last week’s announcement that registered participation in Australian Rules Football has hit an all-time high, sitting at more than 530,000 across the country.
NAB AFL Auskick participation is up seven per cent nationally compared to this time last year, with girls now accounting for nearly 25 per cent of the overall total – up eight per cent from 2023.
Traditional footy heartland states including Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania have all broken participation records for NAB AFL Auskick this season, as well as Queensland, while Western Australia is right on the cusp of achieving a new milestone in 2024.
The SANFL revealed last week they have hit more than 12,000 Auskickers (up eight per cent) to surpass 2019’s record year, while AFL Victoria has eclipsed more than 43,000 participants (up eight per cent) and AFL Tasmania has reached more than 2,800 Auskickers for the first time (up 21 per cent) – a pleasing sign as the next generation aspire to play for the Tassie Devils.
Queensland has also broken its all-time participation record for NAB AFL Auskick – surpassing more than 30,000 Auskickers and up 13 per cent on last year. There’s been a 15 per cent increase in girls participation in the sunshine state, with girls making up nearly 32 per cent of the overall total equating to 10,000 players.
Spotlighting footy in the Northern Territory during Sir Doug Nicholls Round and committing to more AFL matches in the NT has no doubt been a catalyst for the Top End’s participation spike. AFLNT has seen a jump of 45 per cent so far this year, with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander players accounting for nearly 50 per cent of the overall total and girls almost 40 per cent.
The introduction of all-girls Auskick centres across the country has helped connect more girls to the game, providing inclusive environments for all ages and abilities. This year South Australia and Western Australia have run a combined 130 all-girls centres and have both achieved growth in girls’ participation – with WA on track to reach a record 3,000 girls who have pulled on their favourite footy colours and boots.
Meanwhile, Tasmania, Queensland and Victoria have also seen an increase in girls’ participation, jumping 24, 14 and eight per cent respectively, attributing to more than 18,500 Auskickers.
Game promotion initiatives sparked from the Fan Hub in Greater Western Sydney, coupled with AFLW and AFL Community Camps in New South Wales and ACT, has seen a jump in participants with a parent born overseas – now making up nearly 30 per cent of their overall total – while Isaac Heeney country on the Hunter Central Coast is tracking 17 per cent higher compared to 2023.
Wheelchair Auskick Centres continue to pop up across the country, helping grow the game and making it more accessible for all children.
Executive General Manager of Game Development, Rob Auld, said grassroots participation is key to sustaining the game for future generations.
“I’d like to thank every NAB AFL Auskicker who has picked up a footy, pulled up their socks and given Australian Rules Football a go this season – it’s all about having fun and positive experiences with your friends and family,” Auld said.
“It’s an incredible time to celebrate our Auskick community as it continues to grow, and for the second consecutive year break its all-time participation record. It’s an achievement that wouldn’t be possible without all the club volunteers, parents and helpers who run clinics each week.
“It’s been pleasing to see more all-girls Auskick centres offered around the country as well the addition of Wheelchair Auskick and all-abilities sessions. It’s these opportunities and providing more ways to play which will help us grow the game as we strive to keep grassroots footy strong and have footy in every home.
“Running sessions after school and giving more flexibility to suit families and their busy schedules also enables more children to get involved – and the parents!
“NAB has been an invaluable partner of NAB AFL Auskick for almost two decades and I’d like to thank their team for their continual support and commitment to helping instil a love of footy in children around the country.”
NAB Group CEO Andrew Irvine congratulated the communities involved in breaking the record.
“It’s brilliant to see NAB’s partnership with the AFL Auskick program making a mark, with a record number of kids taking to the field again this year.
“The program builds friendships and community connections around local footy ovals that can last a lifetime. We’re proud to play a role in empowering the next generation of players, their coaches and the volunteers that bring this game to life.
“It’s fantastic to see a growing number of girls lacing up their boots, now making up a quarter of teams across the country and counting. I can’t wait to see the 23 lucky kids from the Team NAB AFL Auskick competition running alongside their heroes onto the MCG to present them their medals on 2024 Toyota AFL Grand Final Day.”
2024 NAB AFL AUSKICK STATS:
- South Australia has hit more than 12,000 NAB AFL Auskickers to break its registered participation record, surpassing last year’s total of 11,867.
- Tasmania has broken it’s NAB AFL Auskick participation record with more than 2,800 registered players, eclipsing its previous record of 2,491.
- Queensland has broken its all-time registered participation record hitting more than 30,000 players, with a boost of five per cent with participants with disability and girls accounting for nearly 32 per cent of the overall figure.
- Victoria has a new record of more than 43,000 Auskickers and has seen an eight per cent increase in girls participation.
- Western Australia has seen a 3.3 per cent increase in girls’ participation and is on track to record 3,000 young girls pulling on the boots.
- Nearly 30 per cent of New South Wales/ACT’s total Auskick participation figure has a parent born overseas.
- The Northern Territory has broken its all-time participation record for Auskick, with girls accounting for 40 per cent of the total.
To find your awesome and join NAB AFL Auskick head to: play.afl/Auskick
About NAB AFL Auskick
- NAB AFL Auskick is an introductory program for kids to connect with Australian rules football while having lots of fun and being active – it’s time to ‘Come Find Your Awesome!’
- In weekly sessions, kids will focus on building football skills and playing in a safe and super fun setting. Expect small groups, heaps of games and parent/guardian involvement.
- NAB AFL Auskick invites all children aged 5-12 no matter their knowledge, skill or ability, to participate in the non-contact program.
- NAB AFL Auskick offers an inclusive environment for everyone to get involved, with optional ‘All Girls’ Auskick programs and All-Abilities Auskick centres available.
- Auskick participants have the chance to feature in mini games during halftime at elite AFL and AFLW matches throughout the season. A once-in-a-lifetime experience for many kids!
- Upon signing up, all Auskickers get an awesome pack filled with cool footy goodies not available anywhere else.
- Visit play.afl/Auskick for more details.
