Magpies “Kid Around” to Teach Youths Aussie Rules

Sept 9^th 2004 – by Magpie Press

	The Dallas Magpies Australian Football Club continued its commitment to develop the game of Aussie Rules at the grass roots level in Texas last weekend at the Pepsi Kid Around in Addison. The charity event, to raise money for underprivileged children, was held over two days and focused around kids having fun — especially outdoors. Dallas Magpie players held fun and interactive clinics for kids of all ages and even some intrigued parents. While explaining a little about Australia and Australian football to the children, the players taught the proper skills of passing the ball to other teammates. “Handballing,” similar to a underhand volleyball serve, was demonstrated first with the goal to pass the football through a target. The kids loved this and caught on very quickly. The other form of passing the ball, kicking a drop punt, was also practiced by hundreds of enthusiastic kids. Dallas Magpie captain Stuart Rackham was heavily involved with the community event and when asked about this weekend said, “There is nothing more important than getting the kids out of the house away from video games and into sports. Australian Football is a game that all kids can play from a young age and have a great time, too.”
Australian football for kids is a non-contact, team-orientated, fun game that is played on smaller fields than the professional level. The emphasis is on teamwork, practicing skills, being outdoors and, of course, having fun. Magpie backman and American veteran, Scott Hunt, remarked, “This game is great for all children. The skills are fun to learn and there is a position on the field for every kid and, even better, everyone is like the quarterback!” The 2004 season is almost over, but the Magpies will be conducting a six-week Australian football clinic next March for kids aged 8-16. The program will run each Saturday morning at Crowley Park in Richardson from March 5 through until April 9. To sign up or for more details, click here.
For a chance to see the Dallas Magpies in action, venture out to Crowley Park at 2 p.m. Saturday for final regular season game against the Milwaukee Bombers. About the Dallas Magpies: The Dallas Magpies are a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, dedicated to fostering national and international amateur sports competition as well as promoting a cultural exchange between Americans and Australians. The Magpies participate in the Mid American Australian Football League, a division of the United States Australian Football League, and also have a player, Brandon Blankenship, competing on the U.S. National team in international competition. The team is active in promoting the Australian national sport and Australian culture through clinics at area schools and by sponsoring events such as the annual Australia Day and ANZAC Day celebrations in the Metroplex.
		For more details on organizing a school clinic, playing footy with the team or supporting the Dallas Magpies Australian Football Club, e-mail the recruiting department (recruiting@dallasfooty.com).