This year is shaping up as an exciting one for the Australian Sport Commission’s Active After-school Communities program, with a number of new initiatives to keep Australian kids physically active.

Australian kids are enjoying the benefits of fun and physical activity between 3-5pm after school. The AASC program goes from strength to strength with an estimated 150,000 kids in around 3200 schools and out of school hour care services taking part in the program this year.

The New Year will see the launch of an innovative new resource—the Playing for Life companion books—which encourages Australian kids to make sport and physical activity a life-long pursuit. The companion books introduce Australian kids to 14 popular sports and activities like rugby league, dance, cricket, gymnastics and even circus skills. Importantly, the books provide community coaches with structured plans on how to deliver these activities. The companion books have been produced in a partnership between the AASC program and 12 national sporting organisation including the Australian Rugby League, Netball Australia and Cricket Australia.

Thousands of coaches and volunteers are the lifeblood of the AASC program. The AASC program celebrates their contribution with the National Super Site and 5 Star Community Coach Awards in 2008. National Super Site and Five Star Community Coach awards will recognise the tremendous commitment and support of more than we receive from the 20,000 community coaches and 3200 schools and out of school hour care services around Australia. 

The strength and growth of the AASC program depends on a community partnership between state governments, local businesses, sporting organisations and clubs, local councils and communities working together to deliver activities across all levels of Australian sport.

Thanks to the dedicated team of regional coordinators based in local communities who strive to build these community partnerships and the capacity to deliver structured physical activities to primary school-aged students.

Welcome to new sites joining the AASC program in 2008. We look forward to working with you to make a difference in your sporting community. Thank you to existing sites who continue to contribute to the goal of keeping our kids moving and active.