MACKAY LIFTS AUSKICK KIDS TO A NEW LEVEL
SOUTH Barwon Auskick couldn’t be in better hands.
Last night, the club’s Auskick co-ordinator Ryan Mackay was named the best in Victoria in recognition of his outstanding work at McDonald Reserve over the past 24 months.
Since taking over the Auskick program at the end of 2015, he has helped the participation numbers grow from 100 to more than 230.
Mackay also started the club’s first female program this year, with an initial intake of 34.
Swans legend Travis Agg said some of Mackay’s initiatives had been pivotal to the success of the South Barwon program.
“Ryan, in conjunction with the senior coaches of the club, has developed half-time grid games for girls and boys at local home senior games, along with providing his participants with opportunities to act as mascots on game day,” Agg said.
“Ryan has also continued to grow senior club player involvement in Auskick sessions where the senior players connect with the Auskickers to grow a oneclub focus. Each senior player attends Auskick twice a season with generally five players in attendance each week.”
Agg said Mackay’s ability to develop links with local schools and businesses had also helped strengthen the program.
“Ryan has run introductory sessions in the schools to promote the beginning of the season and worked with community businesses to ensure the Auskickers are provided with an award each over the year,” Agg said.
Money was also raised to purchase equipment.