AUSKICK kicked off in Millicent this week with Saints co-captain Madi Thwaites handballing her skills onto the community’s youngest budding footballers.
The 2019 club runner-up best and fairest was appointed coach of the local clinic and was excited to be the first female footballer in Millicent to have the honour.
Madi started playing football for the Saints last year and has since left her mark, not only on the club, but also on local women’s football.
Before the league started she remembers attending a Mount Gambier clinic run by Keith Allan, father of AFLW players Jess and Sarah.
“I think there was a maximum of around 20 girls involved,” she said.
“I remember one week whoever rocked up would be split into two teams and would play each other in a modified game, which Keith would umpire.
“We never had enough players so Keith would make Jess and Sarah play.
“It is pretty cool to see how women’s football has evolved in the Limestone Coast since then and in such a short amount of time.”
Growing up, Madi never participated in Auskick and her experience did not start until she moved to Adelaide and started playing college football for fun.
“I always wanted to play school footy, but I was scared and I do not think many girls actually did it,” she said.
“Now, playing for the Saints, I really enjoy it because it is fun and competitive and I love the bunch of girls that I play with.
“There is no judgement.
“Everyone is there, you do not have to be the most skilled player to make a difference in the game as long as you are out there trying and having fun.
“That’s what I think Auskick is about as well, just going out and giving it a go.”
Madi added she is excited to run the clinic this year and hopes to see solid attendance numbers, including girls.
“Hopefully because I am running the clinic it will encourage girls to jump on board,” she said.
“There are so many pathways for girls in football now, which shows it is not just a sport for boys.
“I would encourage all kids to get involved in the program beause it is a fun way to keep your fitness up, meet new friends and improve motor skills for other sports.
“You would be surprised about how much fun you have.”
Auskick is open for children turning five this year through to 12 years olds and is held at the Millicent Football Club on Williams Road.
The weekly Wednesday sessions run from 4.30pm to 5.30pm and provide kids with the opportunity to explore AFL, build skills and play in a safe and fun setting.
