Hosted by the Bathurst Giants, the gala day saw juniors from Bathurst, Mudgee, Orange and Young participate in non-competitive games.

They were split into two age groups – one for those aged five to seven, the others for those between eight and 11. Each team played three games.

Giants’ Ashley Boylan, who coordinated and planned the day with Kath Sloan, was delighted at the response.

“The carnival saw the largest involvement of clubs and players from all of the Auskick carnivals in recent years,” he said.

“Because it is a modified version of the sport, it encourages skill development as opposed to a competitive nature, which I feel is important at this age group.

“That skill development, participation and enjoyment was very evident on the day.”

Since the formation of the Bathurst Giants in 2014, the club has placed a strong emphasis on the development of juniors. Working hard to make sure the Auskick carnival was a success helps with that mission.

“I think since our inception the focus has always been, for us, to establish juniors. Juniors are the nursery of any sport and we try to make sure we are a club that develops from Auskick right through to under 16s, because that’s where they are going to come through to the seniors and have a genuine pathway,” Boylan said.

“I see Auskick as a fantastic pathway to not only AFL, but sport in general. Many current AFL stars attribute their beginnings the sport to Auskick participation as a junior.

“I also think that’s where we see our families and our volunteers get involved as well … sometimes it is not until these sort of events you find out the human resources you have at your club.”

The next Auskick event for the Giants will see the juniors play a game during half-time of the AFL match between Greater Western Sydney and West Coast on August 19.