The Australian Government is encouraging children into after-school sport and other physical activities through the Active After-school Communities (AASC) program.

Minister for Sport Mark Arbib recently announced the Government would commit $43.9 million to continue the program in 2012.

Finding room for this funding in a responsible Budget shows the Government recognises the critical role sport plays in creating a healthier society.

‘We need to get children out of the lounge rooms and onto sporting fields,’ Senator Arbib said.

’That’s why our AASC program is so important for children right across the country.

’The program provides children with the opportunity to participate in physical activity after school so they can gain confidence, improve their skills and hopefully develop a lifelong love of sports.

’Around 190,000 children participate in the Active After-school Communities program in more than 3200 primary schools and out of school hours care services.’

Senator Arbib said that children all over Australia benefited from the AASC program with the support of skilled and qualified coaches, supervisors and coordinators who work tirelessly to make the program a continued success.

’The program provides children with the opportunity to experience more than 70 different sports and activities,’ Senator Arbib said.

‘Almost half of the AASC programs are delivered to children in rural and regional areas and a quarter of the participants are from low socio-economic communities.

‘The size and diversity of the program doesn’t just benefit the kids who take part. Free training is also provided to teachers, parents and sports club members in the community to become specialist coaches in the program.’

Senator Arbib said research conducted by the Australian Sports Commission with the parents of the participants reported the following:

• 84 per cent said their children are more positive towards physical activity
• 83 per cent said their children are more positive towards structured physical activity
• 68 per cent said their children are more interested in participating in sport or other structured physical activity
• 60 per cent said their children are more interested in joining a club.

’The AASC program is proof that introducing children to physical activity helps develop a healthy attitude to sport and exercise,’ Senator Arbib said.

’By fostering an interest in sport at a young age we can establish a lifelong enjoyment of physical activity.’