Daniel's AFL season 2020

This year because of Covid Daniel's AFL season looked a bit different to what was initially planned. Normally the Under 8s team are with Auskick for the first 4-5 weeks and then branch off to play some games against other local teams. The season would have started during lockdown so instead we waited until Term 3 to start the season. Instead of joining with the Auskick kids, Daniel started with the Under 8s doing their own training. There were enough kids for 2 teams so they would train together and then play against each other. 

The first week Daniel got right into the training and was excited to get the number 23 guernsey.

 

The next week Daniel had his first training/game in the rain. James was in Hervey Bay so I got to take Eliza and Alexander aswell. Dressed in their gumboots, raincoats and umbrellas the kids were great and so helpful! I planned for them to be out on the field for the first half of training and then in the car for the next half. The enjoyed jumping in the rain, running around in the rain chatting and laughing. 

Once I got them into the car I saw that Daniel was walking off the field. I was a bit confused because there was still 25mins to go. Because of the rain they decided to cut training short. Fair enough. The kids loved playing in the rain for the first time.

The following week Daniel was awarded Player of the Match. The coach commented that he was a stand out that week and was on the ball. He kicked a few goals and also was involved in a lot of play. What I loved most was that he was such a team player - he encouraged everyone, clapped and cheered for his team mates who scored a goal. He decided to get a sausage and egg roll with his voucher.

The following week Daniel played his first real game of AFL. James took him to the game and messaged me a few photos and said that he was being a real team player. So so glad to hear! He really enjoyed it even though they didn't win.
 

The next week Daniel had his team photo before his game. 

Dad took Daniel to his game last week and got to see his first win. Daniel scored 5 goals in the first half before being moved to the backline. The team won by over 100 points (according to the kids. They don't officially keep scored in the Under 8s). Daniel was pretty excited!

This week he played back and centre. While a back he did a great job stopping some goals being scored by the other team. I was proud of him for not getting upset about missing out on being a forward.

He has 1 more week to go of AFL. It has been great to see his progress. He has increased being a team player. He has encouraged his team mates. He has cheered when they scored goals or save goals. Daniel has learnt that he is good at defense and doesn't have to score goals all the time in the front line. He has increased his skills. He has learnt to stay in a certain space on the field based upon his position. He has had a lot of fun and has made some friends in his team and the other Under 8s. Hopefully next year will be a more normal season for him but I'm glad that he got to play this year and has grown.