After-school program is kicking goals

Youngsters at Gowrie St Primary School have been honing their football skills as part of an after-school program.

The Lighthouse has partnered with the school and sports bodies to organise free activities as part of an afterschool programs.

Last term the youngsters took part in six sessions over three weeks where they learned Aussie Rules football skills and put them into practice in drills.

The Lighthouse volunteer coordinator Kathy Fuller said the program was well received by the participants.

“The main thing is fun and engagement,” she said.

“The kids have had an absolute ball.”

Next term the youngsters will learn basketball skills in their sessions.

Mrs Fuller said The Lighthouse helped organise the program partners, such as Goulburn Murray Football League, to conduct the football sessions and the Shepparton Gators to run the basketball sessions.

“The Lighthouse is driven to make sure all children have the same opportunities as others,” she said.