Kicking off the Year: Using AFL to Support Children’s Transition into Learning

With the 2025 learning year now underway in many early childhood education and care (ECEC) settings across the country, leaders are considering the programs they can offer to children and families to enhance the educational experience of children in their care. 

Following the launch of the Bomber Kids program, a new Early Learning program that has been carefully designed to align to the Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework (VEYLDF) and the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF), as well as elements of the Victorian Curriculum (Foundation Level), Brendan Hitchens, Community Education Lead for the Essendon Football Club, has prepared the following piece which outlines the ways in which Australian Rules Football (AFL) can be used to support children’s physical activity, participation and school readiness, whilst also teaching the importance of communication, language and social and emotional development.  

AFL, he believes, offers an engaging and inclusive tool to help children transition into new year levels and early learning environments. 

“Through active play, AFL not only supports the development of fundamental motor skills but also fosters important social and emotional growth,” Mr Hitchens said. 

“By integrating AFL into the early phases of the year, educators can create an environment that promotes friendship building, understanding of routines, and teamwork; all core aspects of the EYLF,”he added.

Building Friendships & Social Connections

“AFL is a great way for children to develop the social skills needed for building friendships. The inclusive nature of the game encourages teamwork and communication, both of which are essential for forming positive relationships. By working together during play-based activities, children practice cooperation, sharing, and turn-taking; skills that are vital for building trust and fostering friendships,” Hitchens continued.

“AFL also provides children with opportunities to express themselves and take initiative, empowering them to become active participants in their social interactions. This boosts self-confidence and helps children feel more comfortable in their new environment, strengthening their connection to peers.”

Given that many children may already have an interest in AFL, whether they support a particular AFL team or have family members who are passionate about the sport, educators can tap into these personal interests by allowing children to share which team they support or by encouraging them to wear the colours of their favourite team on certain days. This creates opportunities for children to connect over shared passions, sparking conversations, and establishing common ground.

Establishing Routines & Creating a Positive Environment

AFL also offers a fun and engaging way to introduce and reinforce learning space routines. Through the game’s structure, children learn important concepts like waiting their turn, following instructions, and transitioning between tasks. For example, waiting for a turn during a drill helps children practice patience, while team-based activities reinforce the importance of taking responsibility.

By incorporating AFL activities into daily routines, educators can reinforce behaviours like lining up, following directions, and participating fully in group activities. These lessons are wrapped in a fun, non-competitive framework, helping children to associate learning with enjoyment and excitement rather than pressure.

Teamwork, Group Bonding & Collective Identity

“AFL is inherently a team sport, making it ideal for promoting collaboration and building a sense of belonging,” Hitchens explained. 

“By working towards a shared goal, children learn to cooperate and support one another, strengthening social bonds within the group. The team-based nature of AFL activities teaches children the value of teamwork and how each member contributes to the group’s success.”

To deepen this sense of connection, educators can create a “group team” with its own name and colours, for example the bandicoots or the lorikeets, which fosters a collective identity. 

Children can celebrate their shared values and goals, whether by wearing team colours or creating decorations for the learning space. These activities not only strengthen bonds but also help children develop a sense of pride in their group.

Celebrating Inclusivity & Positive Behaviours

AFL activities ensure that every child has the opportunity to participate equally. In games like kick-to-kick or target drills, children work together to practice their skills without anyone feeling left out. This inclusivity fosters a learning culture where each child feels valued, reinforcing positive behaviours such as kindness, respect, and teamwork.

Educators can celebrate these positive interactions by praising children for supporting each other, whether it’s cheering a teammate on or sharing a success. This reinforcement helps build a learning environment where collaboration and mutual respect are central to every interaction.

“By incorporating AFL into the first weeks of the year, educators can create a positive, engaging environment that supports children’s social, emotional, and cognitive development,” Mr Hitchens concluded. 

“AFL provides opportunities for children to build friendships, understand routines, and develop a sense of belonging. Most importantly, it helps children transition into their learning environment with confidence, joy, and a sense of teamwork.”

Brendan Hitchens is the Community Education Lead at Essendon Football Club. To learn more about the club’s Bomber Kids Early Learning program, click here.