Back in March, we signed Abe up for Auskick-a community Australian Rules Football (footy) program for primary school children. Abe was a bit ambivalent at first. Because he hadn't really played before, he was worried that he would embarrass himself with less-than-perfect kicking and marking (catching) skills. But the new footy, bag and cap that came with registration really got him in the spirit.
At Auskick, Abe learned the basics of kicking and marking (shown in the red and blue jersey) and hand-passing and bouncing. Notice all the different jerseys being worn - each kid wore their favorite team's colors with pride every week. They were a colorful bunch.
We had the camera rolling at a recent match and caught Abe putting those skills to use.
He practiced so much at home that that shiny new footy from March was reduced to this in a matter of a few short months. We've also had to put limits on how often he can play at home because he has almost killed all the grass in our front yard. Two hours a day after school - every single day - will do that to a lawn.
Alas, Auskick has come to an end. The awards ceremony is in a week and we will post some pictures of that celebration. But the purpose of this post is to reflect on and mourn the passing of this activity which has filled our Saturday mornings since April (we didn't even get a break for Easter!). The final Auskick match pitted parents against kids. Here's Abe and Ben going for the ball.
Here's Abe in motion. We anticipate hearing "Who wants to kick the footy with me?" three hundred times an hour as Abe acclimates to the loss of his very favorite two hours of the week.
Coach Charles (what a great guy) says goodbye to the kids. Hopefully, he'll coach the year 2s next year. Doesn't that boy next to Abe (right of center) look a little too young for this crowd? Hank loved sitting next to his brother during announcements, and I think that Abe appreciated the adoration.
Since it was a special day, we marked the occasion with traditional Aussie barbie that's served up at the end of every Saturday morning's practice: snag (sausage) on white bread with grilled onion for Steph...
Just tomato sauce (ketchup... or is it catsup?) for Abe.
Perfect way to end the season. Thank you, Australia, for Auskick.
5 comments:
So jealous of your fun down there! Great mark and awesome goal for Abe! He sure does take this stuff seriously. We're looking forward to next season already :)
I am trying to find a sport for Marcus. He would rather read, play chess or draw. He needs some activity. Maybe we should move to Australia to see if Auskick will do the trick. (You look fabulous by the way Steph!)
This is Travis - Good on ya, Abe for an awesome mark and goal! I am watching the finals religiously via espn3.com. Maren and I are dreaming up reasons to live in Australia just to see a match live. Go Footy!!
I love how much Hank loves his AFL!! I'll have to tell him when I see him next that when I was his age, I was going to school with Paul Wheatley- a recent ex Dees player. We used to kick the footy at lunch time too!
Wow, Aletha - that is so cool! Abe's birthday is tomorrow, so I'm thinking it's high time to finally go down the street and knock on Aaron Davey's door and get a photo of him having a kick with Abe. Everyone on the street keeps telling us to just do it, so I think we will. Maybe...
Thanks, Heidi - it's the sausages. ;)
Post a Comment