Within the Active After-school Communities (ASSC) program, registered community coaches deliver a range of sport activities to children in both schools and Out of School Hours Care Services.

Every school term, each state or territory awards one coach with a 5 Star Community Coach Award, recognising outstanding achievement in coaching. The final evaluation is based on four guiding principles: the Playing for Life philosophy; being a positive role model; attracting community endorsement; and the ability to be innovative or introduce special initiatives.

Earlier this year in South Australia’s Adelaide Hills, local gymnastics coach Nathan Messmer topped a field of 16 nominated coaches in his state to become the Term 1 winner of the 5 Star Award. Operating out of the Blackwood Gymnastics Club in Littlehampton, Nathan is a new coach whose enthusiasm and passion for his sport has inspired both the children and AASC staff involved in the program.

As a lead by example coach, he’s quick to connect with participants by demonstrating key skills himself and his sessions are consistently filled with grins, laughter and excited squeals.

‘I am ecstatic to receive the 5 Star Award,’ said Messmer. ‘I love coaching gymnastics at all levels and I very much enjoy working with AASC because of the success of the program in getting kids active and healthy in a fun and safe environment.’

One of his creative coaching ideas has been to encourage upper primary school students, who are not participating in the AASC program, to assist as peer coaches. Messmer says this approach has worked particularly well, with five students now engaged in the weekly sessions as coaches.

‘As the program is non-competitive, kids of all abilities and fitness levels enjoy getting involved. It’s so rewarding to see them becoming more active, finding their passion for sport and developing healthy habits for life,’ Messmer said.

AASC Regional Coordinator, Christie Rogers, says that Messmer is an inspiration.

‘He’s consistently delivered high quality gymnastics programs throughout his involvement with the AASC program,’ she comments. ‘It’s obvious how much the Blackwood Gymnastics Club has benefited from Nathan’s involvement and how much the children enjoy themselves and develop under Nathan’s coaching.’

In NSW’s Sutherland Shire, triathlon coach Angie Macken has been acknowledged for her ‘Pied Piper’ approach which has attracted large numbers of children. The selection panel noted her as a stand out in the field of 14 nominees vying for the NSW Term 1 award.

‘About three years ago I read about the AASC program on their website and knew instantly that I wanted to be involved,” said Angie. ‘It’s based on a principle that matters greatly to me – introducing young children to a variety of sports through games with an emphasis on having fun, being inclusive and fair play.’

For the past three years Angie has been delivering a range of programs, including triathlon, athletics, futsal and cricket at schools throughout the Sutherland Shire.

As a dedicated coach, Angie has planned and delivered two end-of-year AASC mini-Triathlons at Cronulla which have led to children becoming junior members of the Cronulla Triathlon Club. Utilising her extensive knowledge of the sport, she’s also organised a number of end-of-term AASC triathlon programs at Cronulla’s Gunnamatta Park, for more than 80 children.

‘Kids enjoy Angie’s sessions because she ensures there’s maximum participation and involvement,’ said AASC Regional Coordinator, Sean Douglas. ‘This is achieved through thorough planning and her ability to develop a great rapport with the kids.’

For information on the AASC program please visit:

For information on becoming a coach in the AASC program please visit: http://www.ausport.gov.au/participating/aasc or http://www.ausport.gov.au/partipating/aasc/get_involved/become_a_community_coach