The Essendon Football Club is excited to announce the official launch of their Bomber Kids Early Learning program, following the success of its pilot last year. The program is now open for bookings for 2024.
In preparation for this year’s launch, Essendon staff traveled across several local councils, including Hume, Merri-Bek, Moonee Valley, and Macedon Ranges. From Airport West to Macedon, they tested the curriculum and surveyed educators at 15 different early learning centers, kindergartens, and pre-schools. The program has already engaged over 500 students.
Bomber Kids focuses on developing key motor skills like running, jumping, kicking, and handballing. It also emphasizes teamwork, cooperation, and communication. Through football-based activities, children are taught school readiness skills, including active listening, turn-taking, and collaboration.
Sarah Cook, from Explorers Early Learning Essendon, praised the program’s impact. “The Bomber Kids team delivered an engaging and informative session that encouraged collaboration and communication among the children,” she said. “They not only got the children moving but also shared the history of the game and Indigenous knowledge, bringing the footy spirit to life.”
More than just a football clinic, Bomber Kids aligns with key educational frameworks. It also provides a variety of pre- and post-visit resources, including educational videos featuring AFLW ambassador Maddy Prespakis.
Prespakis, who developed an early passion for AFL, expressed her excitement about the program. “I started following AFL when I was 4, so I know how beneficial these programs can be for kids,” she said. “I’m thrilled to share my experience with children.”
Essendon’s Community Education Lead, Brendan Hitchens, highlighted the educational value of the program. “The Early Years Learning framework offers many opportunities to use sport as a tool for education,” he said. “Football not only teaches movement skills but also promotes a healthy, active lifestyle and helps develop social and physical skills.”
The Bomber Kids program is aimed at Melbourne’s most culturally diverse suburbs, offering many young people their first introduction to Australian Rules Football. “Sport is about more than competition—it’s about building stronger, connected communities,” said Hitchens. “Football has the power to unite people and foster inclusion.”
Essendon is proud of its long-standing connection to the community, and the Bomber Kids program serves as another opportunity to create positive change and support local families.
