Riverina footy, but not as you know it
By Jack McAnespie and Isabelle O’Brien
AFL Development Coordinator for the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area, Che Jenkins recently traveled to Humewood Station, approximately 90 minutes north of Hay in the state’s far southwest corner, to hold a junior Auskick program unlike any other.
Jenkins was invited to the station by the School of the Air (SOTA), an organisation that provides home schooling for the state’s most isolated children via UHF radio.
SOTA’s headmaster, Samantha Newnham organises an annual gathering of all the children in the area, where they are brought together from far and wide to participate in all manner of activities – this year being an Auskick program.
Program coordinator, Che Jenkins was very excited about the prospect of teaching these kids the fundamentals of Aussie Rules.
“It was a great opportunity for the kids to learn the basics of AFL. For some it was the first time they’d ever sunk the slipper into an AFL footy,” said Jenkins.
Commandeered an existing Rugby Union ground, Jenkins transformed it into an AFL field for the day.
He was able to introduce players from Hay’s Auskick program to the visiting children, and develop a sense of camaraderie between the groups.
“There were about 20 kids from nearly 400km away,” said Jenkins.
“They all loved it. Each kid received a new footy so they were pleased.
“It allows them to meet other kids as well as hang out with local Hay kids. We ran an Auskick program and taught them some skills and did a few activities, so the kids loved it because they got to get out and meet each other, and have fun.”
Jenkins noted the success of the program overall, as well as outlining the importance of the event for the Riverina community in general.
“We’ve been asked to run it again so that’s great. Footy brings people together,” commented Jenkins.
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