Starkick footballers Oliver Douglas (12, Rockingham) and Sarah Wagner (12, Safety Bay) with co-ordinator Matt Marinovich.
Camera IconStarkick footballers Oliver Douglas (12, Rockingham) and Sarah Wagner (12, Safety Bay) with co-ordinator Matt Marinovich. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Starkick program booting goals for all-abilities footballers

Bryce LuffMelville Gazette

SPORT for many often comes down to winning and losing.

But for a bunch of kids short of options to play their favourite game, those two outcomes could not be farther from their minds.

Starkick was founded by the Coolbinia Bombers Junior Football Club in 2015 as an all-abilities AFL Auskick program for kids aged between five and 12 years of age.

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Bicton dad Matt Marinovich took the concept and established the program south of the river to cater to those keen to play closer to home.

With the tagline “If you want to play we will find a way”, there is a clear mission to fill a void.

Mr Marinovich said the first year, while a learning experience, was a great success.

“The enjoyment from the players was great and the feedback we had was really positive,” he said.

“It was nice for parents too. For many, it was their kids’ first time in organised sport.

“They might have tried before but for whatever reason it did not work out and they had to pull back.”

Mr Marinovich said the inclusive nature of the program – including the dedicated work of volunteers – made the program what it was.

He was confident season two, being run Sunday mornings at East Fremantle Oval, would be just as good.

“There’s a real sense of community and a feeling of belonging,” he said.

“Inclusivity and diversity is talked about by the AFL and this definitely falls into that.”

Visit www.eastfreopower.com.au/starkick or contact Mr Marinovich at mattybosco@hotmail.com or 0488 141 097 for information.

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