The program will be delivered under the leadership of ex-AFL Richmond Tiger, now Clarence Football Club Development Officer, Jeromey Webberley who at a much younger age attended Campania District School.
Accredited junior coaches from the Richmond Football Club and Physical Education teachers from the schools will help with program delivery.
The program will commence in the first week of March 2013 over an initial three week period which will lead into a Gala Day involving all the schools.
Webberley is excited about the prospect of being involved.
"Having grown-up in this region, I know how passionate the locals are about their footy and it's great to see that the footy fraternity and the schools recognise how important it is to have junior participation in organised fitness activities.
"Hopefully this is only the start of seeing boys and girls safely enjoying our great game for many years to come".
Richmond Football Club President, John Conway said, "This outcome is a big step forward and represents our club's commitment to providing all the kids in the region access to playing footy.
"Now that we have this relationship, it is incumbent upon all of us to make it work. The schools and our other partners have all been very supportive. It is a win - win for everyone".
AFL Tasmania’s Southern Regional Development Co-ordinator, Mick Arnold, is rapt with the way the initiative has all come together.
"This time two years ago, this region just had a small NAB AFL Auskick program," Arnold said.
"Last year the program had grown to include Under 8s and Under 9s. This year, the program aims to have teams right through to Under 11s with the addition of this in-school program delivery - what a fantastic effort.
"AFL Tasmania will be watching this program, supported by the AFL Schools National Sponsor, Coles, closely, as we see this approach being replicated in other regions throughout the State."
Coles Regional Manager for Tasmania Shawn Haverland said: " As part of our national sponsorship of school football through the AFL we see initiatives such as this as very important.
"We are pleased to see our support resulting in the development of football at the local level within schools".
Duncan Groves, the Principal of Richmond Primary representing the school cluster, praised the initiative.
"Not only does this provide the kids the opportunity to learn how to play footy like their role models, it also provides a common purpose for neighbouring schools to improve relationships," Groves said.
"I can't wait for the bus of kids from Campania to join us on Thursday 7 March.
The program community's co-ordinator, Tony Ryan, is determined to increase participation.
"Sometimes our game is misunderstood by parents," Ryan said. "Our job is to change that perception around. In practice, the governance and delivery of junior AFL is of the highest quality. The AFL is recognised by the Australian Sports Commission as having the most sophisticated and professional junior development program that provides equal opportunities for boys and girls.
"As ambassadors, that is our commitment to parents. And of course it is our challenge to see the kids join their local team which starts with our Registration Day on Sunday 17 March at the Richmond Primary School to coincide with the Richmond Village Fair."
Last Modified on 13/03/2013 13:25