Villa Bambini Essendon North recently hosted a Bomber Kids session. The centre is located less than three kilometers from Windy Hill and features an aeroplane in its playground, making it an ideal setting for the event.
The Bomber Kids program was launched earlier this year by the Essendon Football Club. It focuses on physical activity, participation, and preparing children for school. The program also teaches the importance of communication, language, and social and emotional development.
Katelyn Bellizzi, assistant director at Villa Bambini, said, “The children absolutely loved taking part in the Bomber Kids session. From the start, they were fully engaged. They showed great enthusiasm, energy, and a real love for movement.”
During the session, children learned about the story behind the club’s 2025 Indigenous guernsey. They also took part in an obstacle course challenge and practiced football skills such as handballing, marking, and kicking.
The program has been running at various locations, from Moonee Ponds to Macedon. It visits kindergartens, playgroups, and Early Learning Centres to deliver its sessions.
More than just a football clinic, Bomber Kids is designed to align with the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF). It offers meaningful developmental benefits and plays an important role in early childhood education.
Bellizzi explained, “Sports visits like the Bomber Kids program support children by encouraging them to build self-confidence as they try new physical challenges. It helps them develop independence and resilience by exposing them to new environments. It also gives them a sense of belonging within a team or group. Additionally, it supports their physical wellbeing by improving gross motor skills, coordination, and overall physical activity.”
As a special reward, children who participated were invited to join the Guard of Honour for the Round 9 match against Sydney at Marvel Stadium. Bellizzi said, “The feedback from families was overwhelmingly positive. The team’s win that day made the experience even more memorable.”
