Programs for kids aged eight to 14 years old will be a weekly fixture on the Katherine calendar through to the Easter holidays, while Auskick for kids aged five to 12 will re-commence in Term 3.

Territory Roadmarking 11s Program for ages 8-11 /grades 4-6 (Mixed boys and girls, potential to split) starts this Saturday from 8.30am at Nitmiluk Oval.

The BCAC 14s program for ages 12-14/grades 6-9 (separate boys and girls games) begins this Monday from 3.30pm at Katherine High School.

The program is an exciting opportunity for children in the area, and a positive step forward for community football.

Julie Hunter, AFLNT’s regional development manager for Katherine, said the programs would play a vital role in developing stronger pathways in the region and engaging young people.

“The role of Australian football in the region extends beyond just developing talented players; it is about developing people and improving wellbeing. Junior programs provide a positive environment for young people to interact with.

“As a platform to develop players, umpires and coaches, all participants can benefit from experiencing the community support around them. It is a great space for volunteers to give our young people a variety of role models to learn from.

“We’re proud to have the support of local businesses, Territory Roadmarking and Binjari Community Aboriginal Corporation, who share this sentiment, and highlight the importance of football to the local community,” she said.

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Binjari Community Aboriginal Corporation (BCAC), the sponsor of the ‘BCAC 14s’, said they are passionate about young people getting out and playing sport. 

“We want our young people to have positive activities they can be part of, so engaging our young people in sport, and particularly in AFL here, can really help benefit our community," a BCAC spokesperson said. 

"We hope that our support of the AFL 14 and under program can help achieve that."

Local clubs and umpires will assist in the delivery of weekly matches in a joint commitment to grow junior football in the Katherine area but will rely on small acts of support from parents and the wider community to optimise the experience.

School sport vouchers are accepted. 

Register online at play.afl or contact Julie.Hunter@afl.com.au for more information. 

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