On Monday 31 October, the Australian Sports Commission’s CEO Simon Hollingsworth took time out of his busy schedule to meet and interact with children who participate in the Active After-school Communities program at Noble Park Primary School in Victoria.

Hollingsworth was able to meet and talk with primary school students, coaches and teachers while the school put into operation the AASC netball program, implemented by the Dandenong Netball Association. The children were taken through a range of netball activities to entice them to become active and join their local club.

‘Visiting Noble Park Primary School has allowed me to interact with primary school participants within the AASC program, and personally experience how an AASC program runs from the grassroots level.

‘I saw some extremely talented children, who I hope will join a club and continue with their passion for netball in their sporting future,’ said Hollingsworth.

‘The AASC program is a fantastic way to establish links between schools, out of school hours care services and local sporting organisations.

'Through the AASC program, children are provided with the opportunity to develop a love of sport at a young age, allowing them to reap the benefits of health and active lifestyles for years to come.’

The AASC program is an Australian Government initiative delivered by the Australian Sports Commission in up to 3270 schools and out of school hours care centres across Australia. Each term, up to 190 000 children participate in up to 70 different sports and 20 structured physical activities after school.