The 2011 footyWILD program recently launched in South Africa with a change in approach to previous years proving to be a winner for all involved. 

 

“At the introductory level for 8-13 year olds, one of the challenges has been keeping the footyWILD program fresh and exciting for such a broad age range, especially with a volunteer base that is still learning the game” said National Participation Manager July Machethe. 

 

“Following consultation with all staff late last year, we agreed to trial a new system in 2011 where we concentrate on different age groups at different times of the year, rather than try to accommodate all of the kids at one time,” said Machete.

 

“The introduction of footyWILD BIG 5 Advanced (12-13 yrs), Intermediate (10-11 yrs), Beginner (8-9 yrs) and Introductory levels (7yrs) at set times during the season, will make it easier to manage each age group – we are really looking to run a better quality program that will bring kids back in numbers – kids are not silly, if the program is really good, they will keep coming”, said July.

 

“Another key difference has been a change to the way we approach our Friday competition – boys and girls that participate in BIG 5 clinics during the week, are now vying for selection to represent their school on Fridays rather than just showing up, creating a new level of interest amongst learners and teachers alike,” said July.

 

“After the first 5 weeks of BIG 5 Advanced for 12-13 year olds we are already seeing a difference in attitude with Big 5 numbers increasing and Friday’s competition enjoying a resurgence in popularity” he added.

 

The response in Kwa Zulu Natal has been encouraging, with AFLSA’s Muzi Mthembu recalling the early days of footyWILD from 2007,

 

“This year reminds me of our first program in 2007 where teachers and kids were coming in droves to try AFL”, said Muzi from Umlazi township, south of Durban. 

 

“The kids are really excited about the more competitive nature of the Friday Primary School Competition for each footyWILD centre, which is making them more enthusiastic about the way they approach the game and BIG 5 clinics during the week”, said Muzi.

 

In Ikageng township near Potchefstroom, Development Officer Sipho Magongo has his participants singing and dancing their way to footyWILD enjoyment, “Each group sings and dances to a different tune at one of the skill stations we have at Big 5,” said Sipho. “The revamped Big 5 schools competition has also brought a new excitement to the kids and volunteers – I am enjoying my work more than ever before,” said Sipho.

 

AFL South Africa is aiming to attract over 11,000 unique participants from 56 Primary schools to footyWILD BIG 5 this year at an average of 200 participants per school.