Last weekend saw 24  Starkick participants and their families experience playing footy on Optus Stadium at half-time between the West Coast Eagles v Hawthorn game. 

Participants and their families travelled from each of the nine regional Starkick centres from across WA, including as far north as Broome and from Albany in the South. 

Starkick Kalgoorlie-Boulder had three participants travel to Perth to take part in a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. They included five-year-old Elsie Fell, six-year-old Averly Cheek and nine-year-old Lucas Eijkman. 

Elsie’s mum Amy Franklyn said this is something her daughter will remember for years to come. 

“It was an amazing experience full of great memories,” Franklyn said. 

“It’s a great opportunity for regional kids. 

“We love Starkick as it gets our kids loving footy.” 

Lucas’ mum Leah Cain said Starkick has been the perfect fit for her son. 

“We’ve been looking for Lucas to join and this has been the perfect opportunity for him,” Cain said. 

“There is so many benefits, my favourite being the fitness side.” 

Kalgoorlie-Boulder Starkick  co-ordinator Ashlinn Gilmore is new to the Starkick program but is seeing the benefits the program has on not just the kids, but their families. 

“We’re all new to Starkick, having only had five sessions prior to this, but everyone involved was so enthusiastic about the opportunity to get out there and have some fun with other members across regional WA,” Gilmore said. 

Gilmore said the community of Kalgoorlie has been very supportive and has contributed to the success of the Starkick program so far. 

“We've had so many volunteers come down on the weekends to help make the program run smoothly,” Gilmore said. 

“The local football clubs have all been liking and sharing our Facebook posts and our local government even put on a pancake stall at the WA Day festival to raise money for our Starkick team!  

“Our success is due to the efforts of our community.” 

This support means Starkick Kalgoorlie-Boulder will extend their program to allow more participants to take part in this fun program. 

“We're so proud of how fast this program has progressed, and due to its success so far, we have decided to continue the program for at least another 10 weeks this year,” Gilmore said. 

“Our goal is for Starkick to become a well-known sporting option in Kalgoorlie and to see it continue to grow over the years.” 

To find your nearest Starkick centre visit www.starkick.com.au