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AFL-themed play is the basis for Essendon Football Club’s Bomber Kids early years sports incursions – currently available at select Goodstart kindergartens in Victoria.
Brendan, who leads Bomber Kids, is a qualified educator, having worked for both the Victorian Department of Education and Training and the University of Melbourne. He has also written extensively on the power of sport and its connection to play based learning.
Brendan’s greatest passions are education, sport and community engagement. Or, as the Olympic Movement’s spirit of Olympism states, the point at which sport, culture and education converge to build a better world.
As an accomplished educator with extensive experience working with young people through teaching, curriculum design and community engagement, Brendan has seen first-hand the impact sport can have on people; be it entertainment, engagement, education or empowerment.
Now working in education within the sporting industry, he's passionate about what Essendon’s Bomber Kids program can contribute to helping children prepare for their next big step by developing a range of skills, from social-emotional to fine and gross motor.
Here, Brendan shares how parents and caregivers of children at preschool or kindergarten can practice together at home, for free and in their own time, what his program has thoughtfully developed in line with the Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework (VEYLDF) and the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF).
In Brendan’s own words:
Brendan is passionate about how AFL-themed play can contribute to school readiness
As the new school term begins and the end of the year draws near, Term 4 presents the perfect opportunity for parents to help children develop the skills they'll need for a confident start to Prep.
Starting school can feel like a big transition for both children and families.
While teachers focus on classroom routines and learning, parents have a powerful role in supporting their child's physical, social, and emotional development. AFL-themed play offers a fun, practical and engaging way to do just that.
Whether in the backyard, a local park, or even a living room, simple AFL-inspired activities such as kicking, handballing, marking, running, or small passing games help children build the foundations for learning success while strengthening their confidence, resilience, and a love of movement.
The best part? Parents don't need to be expert coaches to make a big difference.
By joining in, encouraging effort, and celebrating small achievements, parents can turn play into meaningful learning experiences that enhance school readiness.
Here are five ways AFL-themed play supports key skills, with practical strategies parents can use at home:
1. Gross motor development
Strong gross motor skills are essential for school readiness.
They help children move confidently in the playground and participate in group activities with ease.
AFL-inspired play naturally develops these abilities through activities such as running, jumping, kicking, catching, and balancing, all of which enhance coordination, strength, and spatial awareness.
How parents can help:
- Create simple backyard obstacle courses that involve balancing on lines, jumping over objects, or weaving through cones.
- Practice handballing a soft football back and forth, focusing on control and accuracy.
These activities not only build physical skills but also help children develop confidence in their bodies, improve focus, and build stamina, all essential for managing the physical demands of a school day.
2. Fine motor control
Fine motor skills underpin many classroom tasks, from holding pencils and cutting with scissors to tying shoelaces and handling classroom materials.
AFL play helps strengthen these small muscle movements through activities that require grip, precision, and hand-eye coordination.
For example, aiming handballs at a target, sorting mini footballs, or placing markers on the ground all support fine motor development.
How parents can help:
- Set up simple target games with soft balls or beanbags, encouraging children to aim carefully.
- Include sorting activities, like arranging footballs or markers by size or colour.
By supporting fine motor control at home, parents help children gain the dexterity and hand strength they need for writing, cutting, drawing, and other classroom activities, giving them confidence and independence in their learning.
3. Self-regulation and executive functioning
Self-regulation and executive functioning skills help children manage emotions, follow instructions, and adapt to changing situations, all of which are critical for a successful start to school.
AFL games provide natural opportunities to practise these skills.
Activities that involve following start-and-stop signals, taking turns, adhering to rules, and working in teams build impulse control, cognitive flexibility, and working memory.
How parents can help:
- Encourage turn-taking and practise pausing before action, emphasising control and focus.
- Set small challenges that require remembering a sequence of movements or steps.
When children practise self-regulation in playful settings at home, they are better prepared to handle classroom routines, transitions, and social interactions, reducing frustration and supporting learning engagement.
4. Social skills and peer interaction
Developing social skills is critical for settling into school and forming positive relationships. AFL play offers opportunities for teamwork, communication, and cooperative problem-solving.
Whether practising handballing with a sibling, cheering for a teammate, or completing a goal-scoring relay, children learn to share, encourage, and resolve minor disagreements respectfully.
How parents can help:
- Involve siblings, friends, or neighbours in small AFL games to practise turn-taking and collaboration.
- Celebrate teamwork and effort rather than just winning to build empathy and inclusion.
By fostering these social skills at home, parents help children approach new environments, group work, and classroom interactions with confidence and a positive attitude.
5. Understanding rules, fairness, and safe play
Learning about rules, fairness, and safety prepares children to engage successfully in the school environment.
AFL play reinforces these lessons through structured games, clear boundaries, and discussions about fairness and respect.
Children learn the importance of following rules, respecting others, and participating safely.
How parents can help:
- Take on roles like 'umpire' and use reflective discussions after games to talk about fairness and cooperation.
- Emphasise safety and respectful play, assisting children to understand the reasons behind boundaries.
Children who practise fair and safe play at home are more likely to respect classroom rules, navigate playground interactions successfully, and feel secure in group settings.
A confident kick-off to Prep
Term 4 AFL-themed play offers a low-stress, high-impact way for children to build the physical, social, and emotional foundations they need for Prep.
By engaging in play that develops gross and fine motor skills, self-regulation, social confidence, and an understanding of rules, children gain the tools to thrive in the classroom.
For parents, the benefits are twofold: not only are you supporting your child's readiness for school, but you are also spending quality time together, fostering positive relationships, and creating enjoyable learning experiences.
Simple backyard games, shared kicking and handballing activities, and cooperative challenges can make a huge difference.
These experiences ensure that when the siren sounds for their first day of Prep, children are ready to kick off their learning journey with confidence, curiosity, and a big smile.
By incorporating AFL-themed play into everyday life, parents can actively contribute to their child's development, helping them step into school ready, capable, and excited for the adventures ahead.