"Her First Kick” is a school-based initiative designed to empower girls at Kapunda High School to experience Australian Rules Football in a safe, fun, and non-judgmental environment. The program supports girls who may feel too shy, self-conscious, or uncertain to give AFL a try, by focusing on body confidence, enjoyment of movement, and building a positive sense of self through sport.

Why it is needed:

Many girls in our region love the idea of AFL but are held back by fear of judgement, low confidence, and limited exposure to the game in a low-pressure setting. This is especially relevant in rural communities where opportunities for structured, supportive programs for girls are often limited. The recent amalgamation of the Kapunda and Freeling women’s teams into the Light Football Club to maintain viability highlights the urgent need to build a stronger base of young female players who feel encouraged and capable of getting involved. Without early, positive exposure, many girls opt out before they’ve even had a chance to begin.

What activities will be involved:

“Her First Kick” will run as a series of sessions within the school's "Passion Project" program - an extra curricular program that aims to build belonging and connectedness between teachers and students through shared interests and passions. The focus will be on: - Gentle, non-contact footy skills and games - Fun and inclusive movement-based activities - Body-positive messaging and team building - Encouraging girls to listen to, trust, and celebrate their bodies - Building self-belief through supported risk-taking in a friendly, judgement-free zone Each session is designed to help girls feel safe, seen, and celebrated—regardless of skill level or previous