Imagine playing a traditional sport like basketball or netball and mixing it with an activity like skateboarding. 

West Australian coach Matt Winter has done exactly that, playing a pivotal role in the design of his sport ‘Ripaball’, which is targeted at children of all abilities.

Ripaball involves modifying traditional activities such as basketball to be incorporated on ripstick caster boards (a form of skateboard). The aim of the game is to use the caster boards to move around the court and score more points than the opposition.
Winter said the idea is to create interest among children who are normally uninvolved in mainstream sports.

‘By incorporating modern equipment into traditional games, we can hopefully increase participation among inactive children,’ Winter said.

Recognised for his achievement in coaching within the Australian Government’s Active After-school Communities (AASC) program, Winter has topped a long field of coaches to be named Western Australia’s 5 Star community coach for Term 2 2011.

Over the past 12 months, he has helped to develop the skills of many children in multiple sports.

 ‘It’s always a good feeling to be recognised for your efforts, I am grateful to the Active After-school Communities program for its support and the opportunities it provides.’

The AASC program aims to engage traditionally inactive children in sport and other structured physical activities, and through positive and fun experiences help them develop a love of sport that inspires them to join a local sporting club.

AASC State Manager for Western Australia, Greg Williams, said, ‘High quality coaching is essential for the success of the AASC program and this award is one way of recognising coaches like Matt Winter who excel in this area.

‘Matt is an inspiring coach who has consistently delivered high quality coaching programs throughout his 12 months with the AASC and has helped develop Ripaball in the Great Southern region. It’s obvious how much the children are enjoying themselves and developing under Matt’s coaching.’

The AASC program is an Australian Government initiative managed by the Australian Sports Commission. It provides primary school children with the opportunity to experience more than 70 different sports and up to 20 other structured physical activities.