How to Prepare Your Child for the AFL Season
The start of the AFL season is always an exciting time for young players and their families. Whether your child is new to footy or returning for another year with the Penrith Giants, preparing properly can help them feel confident, improve their skills, and ensure they have a fun and successful season. Here’s a guide to getting your child ready for the AFL season.
Note: While some of these tips go above and beyond, they’re not a prerequisite for playing with the Penrith Giants. If you simply bring enthusiasm and a willingness to have fun, you’re already off to a great start—but if you want to be extra prepared, this guide has you covered!
1. Build Up Their Fitness
AFL is a dynamic sport that requires endurance, agility, and strength. As the season approaches, encourage your child to get active by incorporating:
Running & Cardio: Jogging, cycling, or even kicking the footy at the park will help improve stamina.
Agility & Footwork: Simple drills like ladder steps or cone exercises can help with quick movements.
Strength & Flexibility: Bodyweight exercises like squats, lunges, and push-ups, combined with stretching, help prevent injuries.
Even small amounts of physical activity before the season starts will help them feel stronger and more confident when training begins.
2. Focus on Nutrition & Hydration
A well-balanced diet fuels young athletes for training and game day. Encourage:
Healthy Carbs & Proteins: Whole grains, lean meats, eggs, and dairy products provide long-lasting energy.
Fruits & Vegetables: Help with recovery and overall well-being.
Hydration: Encourage plenty of water throughout the day, especially in the heat of summer training sessions.
Try to avoid too many processed snacks or sugary drinks, as they can lead to energy crashes.
3. Get the Right Gear
Having the right equipment ensures your child is comfortable and protected throughout the season. Key items include:
Footy Boots: Proper boots provide grip and support for running and quick changes in direction.
Mouthguard: Essential for protecting teeth and gums. Custom-fitted mouthguards are recommended.
Club Uniform: Make sure your child has their shorts, and socks ready for game day.
AFL Ball: Practicing at home with an appropriately sized ball helps with skill development.
Size 1 – Auskick (Ages 5-8)
Size 2 – Under 9s & Under 10s
Size 3 – Under 11s, Under 12s & Under 13s Girls
Size 4 – Under 13s, Under 14s & Under 15s & 17s Girls
Size 5 – Under 15s and above (Full-size ball, used in senior AFL)
Check that all gear fits properly and is in good condition before the first training session.
4. Refresh Their AFL Knowledge
If your child is new to AFL or needs a refresher, going over the basics before the season starts can help them feel more confident. You can:
Watch AFL games together to see how the game flows.
Practice basic skills like handballing, marking, and kicking in the backyard.
Discuss key rules such as tackling, holding the ball, and out-of-bounds rules.
If they have questions, encourage them to ask their coaches or teammates. Learning together makes it even more fun!
5. Encourage a Positive Mindset
AFL is about more than just physical skills—it’s also about teamwork, perseverance, and having fun. Remind your child to:
Try their best and focus on improvement rather than perfection.
Support their teammates and embrace the club’s community spirit.
Have fun! Footy is about enjoying the game, making friends, and being active.
Help them set small goals for the season, whether it’s learning a new skill, improving their fitness, or just giving every game their best effort.
Join the Giants for an Exciting Season!
The Penrith Giants are looking forward to another fantastic AFL season, and we can’t wait to see our junior players back on the field. With a little preparation, your child will be ready to enjoy a season full of fun, teamwork, and footy action!
If you haven’t registered yet, be sure to sign up now and get ready for an amazing year ahead. See you on the field!