The [url=http://www.ausport.gov.au/aasc]AASC program[/url] is a free Australian Government initiative that provides primary school children with access to sports and structure physical activity programs after school (3:00pm-5:00pm).

The Australian Sports Commission manages the AASC program nationally through a countrywide network of regional coordinators who assist schools and after-school care centres to facilitate the program recruit and train community coaches and forge links between children and clubs.

The Regional Coordinator for The Grove is Andrew Woodrick (3031 8012; 0437 700 321)

Presently involved in the program are:
[ul]Patricks Rd Out-of-School-Hours Care
St Andrews Out-of-School-Hours Care
St Williams Out-of-School-Hours Care[/ul]

The AASC program targets children who do not usually join local sporting clubs and gives them positive and fun experience and inspires children with all levels of skill to join local clubs. It is continually focused on promoting sport participation.

The benefits of club involvement in the AASC program include:
[ul]increased junior membership & possible creation of new junior teams
Grant opportunities for new equipment
Access to free professional development for club coaches through the Australian Sports Commission’s Community Coach Training Program
Opportunity for coaches to gain payment.
Exposure of your sport club facilities and club coaches to primary school children parents school teachers and other local community members.
Increase in volunteers parents and athletes who are able to be trained as coaches
Promotional opportunities such as ‘come and try’ days for clubs to showcase their sport
[i]Playing for Life[/i] CD-ROM resourc
Ongoing support by an ASC regional coordinator[/ul]

How your club can be involved:
[ul]As little as one hour a week for up to seven weeks
Someone in the community can be identified to deliver the program on behalf of the club
‘Come and try’ gala days
Inviting junior coaches to attend a session to meet children at localschools or after-school care centres
Inviting AASC schools and after-school care centres to use your club facilities and host an activity session or registration day
Holding registration days at AASC schools or after-school care centres that participate in your sport
Handing out registration flyers[/ul]