AFL Kids First Round

AFL leagues throughout NSW and the ACT will this week take part in AFL Kids First round to promote appropriate spectator behavior at junior football matches.

AFL Kids First is all about encouraging parents to play a positive role in the delivery and support of sporting activities for their children.

The round of May 28/29 will include a number of league initiatives to guide parents so that both they and their children obtain the maximum benefit and enjoyment from their participation.

Sydney Swans spearhead and father of four children Daniel Bradshaw said it was important for parents to provide a positive environment at local matches for their kids. .

“As a parent, I love to see my kids kicking the footy, having fun and playing with their friends,” Bradshaw said.

“Parents play an important role in creating a positive environment for junior teams on match days – just like they do at home.

“We all need to act as role models and make sure we’re always encouraging and supporting our children.

“We’re just the spectators and need to ensure our kids’ involvement and enjoyment comes first.”

Today’s parents have an important role in the delivery and support of sporting activities for their own and other children. With it comes a clear responsibility to act in a constructive and encouraging manner at all times.

Barracking and wanting children to perform well is human nature, but it is critical that parents do this in a responsible manner to avoid the ugly parent syndrome at all times.

The basic principles of Kids First are to remind parents that:

• Sport for children is a vital part of their development growing up.
• Children like to win, but more importantly, they want to have fun.
• Parents need to set the right example at the sports ground, not just at home.
• Parents should be proud of their child’s efforts irrespective of the result.
• Sport is important to children’s self esteem.