It is one of the most well-known and popular club songs in Australian football and now the Nightcliff Tigers are adding extra credence to the classic line ‘We’re strong and we’re bold’ after recently launching a NAB AFL Auskick centre.
In a first for NTFL clubs, the Tigers are looking to capitalize on a grassroots football market in Darwin and surrounding suburbs by coordinating the Auskick centre at Nightcliff Primary School.
Club President Mark Kelly says the initiative is a sign of intent by the Tigers to attract and retain local talent after a stunning season in the Premier League which came within two kicks of a fairytale story.
"We are really excited to have launched this new Auskick centre at the club, an initiative which we have developed to capitalize on the 4-8 year-old sporting market in the Territory," said Mr Kelly.
"We are passionate about engaging with the community and offering the Tigers as a great place for children to play sport and get involved,"
"At present, we continue to provide strong numbers from Nightcliff and surrounding areas to the Thunder Juniors program and this step ensures that as many children as possible across all junior age brackets have access to these pathways,"
"This in turn provides an opportunity not only for continued voluntary and parental support but also provides opportunities for Under 18 and senior level players to develop their own coaching skills and styles by providing expertise through teaching the basics of football".
AFLNT Game Development Manager Wayne Walsh echoed Mr Kelly’s sentiments, declaring the initiative a landmark moment for junior development within NTFL clubs.
"We congratulate the Nightcliff Tigers on this long overdue program and it is our hope that other NTFL clubs and affiliates will follow suit in the near future," said Walsh.
"It is also a strong and positive sign that participation rates amongst young Territorians in Aussie Rules are continuing to grow and remain consistent each year, especially at Nightcliff where more than 60 children have signed up to participate in a very short space of time,"
"The local communities in and around Nightcliff are very culturally diverse and this program through the Tigers will offer fantastic opportunities for kids to have a go at footy no matter their background".
Nightcliff NAB Auskick centres will be run on Saturday mornings from 8am-9am. For further information including how to register for Auskick please contact Wayne Walsh 8980 4817 or
wayne.walsh@aflnt.com.au