Saturday’s match at Darwin’s TIO Stadium was undoubtedly memorable for 11 year old local, Peter Djandjomer, who swapped his place in the Millner Primary School’s football team for an honorary spot on the Bulldogs’ list as he ran on field with the players as the team’s mascot as part of the Carn the Kids program.

As a mad Bulldogs’ fan, Peter was equally thrilled to watch his team win over Fremantle and was sure that the extra cheer he provided, along with 150 kids and carers attending the match as part of the Carn the Kids program, had something to do with it.

Carn the Kids aims to give kids who might not ordinarily have the opportunity with the chance to experience a live football game with all its traditions including a pie and sauce, face painting and special showbags and t-shirts to enjoy during the game.  For many of the children that attended the match with the program on Saturday, it was their very first experience of a live game.

The group of 150 kids and carers that attended Saturday’s Bulldogs and Fremantle clash were from the CREATE Foundation – a not-for-profit organisation that seeks to connect and empower children and young people placed in out-of-home care.

Now in its fifth year, Carn the Kids is a concept LeasePlan developed in partnership with the Western Bulldogs and with generous support from the AFL and Toyota, as well as event assistance from venue managers and caterers across the country. 

Since its inception in 2003, Carn the Kids has given the ‘Great Australian Football Experience’ to over 8500 kids and their carers an unforgettable day at the footy in six states.