Budding Aussie Rules players and footy fans are invited to a coaching clinic with QBE Sydney Swans Academy talent scout, Chris Smith, as part of an action-packed day that will see local Sydney side Eastern Bulldogs vie for the coveted Giant Steps Cup at Trumper Park on Sunday, 15 September.
In its second year, The Giant Steps Cup sees two leading under 12 Auskick teams: the Eastern Bulldogs and the Willoughby Wildcats, giving it their best to help raise awareness, and funds, for the autism charity, Giant Steps.
Footy fans will get to see some of Sydney’s best young talent on show, with both teams coached by ex-Sydney Swans players and 10 boys on the field that have already made it into the Swans Academy.
Chris Smith, who is the Sydney Swans Academy Talent Identification Manager and looks to identify and develop future AFL talent, will host a half time “Super Swans Academy Footy Clinic” for children aged five to 12 years for $5.
“The Giant Steps Cup is all about teaching our kids that a few small steps in Aussie Rules can help someone take giant steps in life,” said former Sydney Swans player and Eastern Bulldogs coach, Kevin Dyson.
Last year’s action-packed event, raised $2,000 for the Giant Steps charity, a school and educational center for students with autism that seeks to educate and support students and their families.
Bondi resident, Ingrid Michalowsky, whose son Jonah attends the Giant Steps school said, “this event, and more importantly, the way the club has embraced Jonah as a team member, has been priceless for our family.”
Jonah, who has autism, joined the club after last year’s Giant Steps Cup and attends games wearing the number 53 jersey.
“Like all parents, our greatest desire is for Jonah to be included and accepted in the world. Autism is only one part of Jonah - he’s smart, he knows what inclusion feels like. It’s not tokenistic - the boys and parents in this club have genuinely embraced him. When he walks around Bondi, he gets a high five or a hug from other players. It’s about Jonah being known and the other kids knowing that being different is not scary and that inclusion can make a real difference to their lives and our community,” she said.
Event details:
- When: Sunday, 15 September
- Where: Trumper Park, Corner of Glenmore Road and Hampden Street Paddington
- Times:
? 10.00am – pre-game fun with face painting and games for the kids
? 11.00am – Giant Steps Cup with AFL legend Wow Jones as MC
? 11.30am – Sydney Swans Super Footy Clinic with Swans Academy Talent Identification Manager Chris Smith (5-12 –year-olds, $5 donation to Giant Steps)
? 12:30pm – Raffle draw and close
