Lakemba Sports Club complete another successful ALDI MiniRoos Kick-Off program
Following the success of the inaugural ALDI MiniRoos Kick-Off program last year, Canterbury and District FA’s Lakemba Sports Club has continued to flourish with 241 children aged between 4 and 11 years having registered and actively participated in the 2019 installment at Parry Park.
This surpassed last year’s benchmark of 206 participants with 148 new kids who have never played before, joining the 10-week introductory football program.
The ALDI MiniRoos Kick-Off program continues to promote inclusion and diversity in football, advocating the ‘football4all’ mantra and celebrating multiculturalism in communities.
It’s an extraordinary time for Lakemba Sports Club as they witnessed 65 girls become involved in the program, 49 of these new to the sport, and now, Lakemba Sports anticipate 5 all-girls teams for the 2020 grassroots football season.
Previously, the club committee had managed to put together two teams of U9’s and U11’s in 2019 after the success of the inaugural ALDI MiniRoos Kick-Off program and before this, it was unthinkable.
Lakemba Sports Club have also introduced specialised groups to encourage children with a disability to play and to assist goalkeepers from various teams in training.
To make the most of the occasion, the club uses the ALDI MiniRoos Kick-Off program as an opportunity to introduce young people around the club to coaching.
With the help of CDSFA Technical & Game Development Manager – Andrew Morris, the club has implemented a Club Coach Coordinator (CCC) type mentorship program.
It allows experienced coaches to work alongside younger coaches and to provide them with on-going support for coaching MiniRoos.
The program concluded with a terrific display of community spirit as Lakemba Sports Club held a free barbeque.
While the club’s legacy, clearly visible as volunteers who supported the initiative found a sense of belonging within a diverse community.
For more information on how your club can get involved in ALDI MiniRoos Kick-Off programs, please email cameronw@footballnsw.com.au
