By Nathan Buckley
There is no doubt that Australian Football has played a significant role throughout my life and is a massive part of the Australian community. August 7 this year marks 150 years since the first recorded match of Australian Football was played and as an Australian Football 150 Years Ambassador, I’m encouraging all Australians, young and old, to join in the celebrations.
The game we have all grown to love began in the year 1858, when two Melbourne schools, Scotch College and Melbourne Grammar met at Richmond Paddock, at what is now Yarra Park next to the MCG, to play the first match of Australian Football ever recorded.
To commemorate this milestone, the AFL has scheduled a number of special events during the week, culminating in Tom Wills Round on August 8-10, an AFL round dedicated to one of the founding fathers of the game.
Thursday, August 7, has been named Kick Around Australia day and is an occasion for all Australians to come together through football. By having a kick of the footy, wearing your team colours or club scarf, this day will allow everyone to be involved in the same event wherever you may live in Australia.
For me it will be a chance to have a kick with my son and hopefully witness his first boot to ball. I can remember when I was a young fella I never left the house without a footy under my arm and used every opportunity to have a kick. I think there is still a little bit of that desire in every adult and Kick Around Australia day will give everyone the opportunity to go back and experience that all again.
Schools around the country have been busy making preparations for the day, with thousands of school kids set to take part in football themed lessons, designed in line with the curriculum.
Businesses and community organisations are also invited to take part in the celebrations by encouraging employees to get in the spirit of this special event and wear their footy scarf or colours to work.
150 Years is a remarkable milestone to reach and I would encourage everyone to join me in recognising its significance.
Wherever you are on August 7, I encourage you to get involved in the celebrations; wear your team’s colours to work, take a footy to school and have a kick or share a cake after footy training. Let’s get together and celebrate the game that made Australia, I know I will be!
