TIP SHEET – Inclusion in Action 2
Inclusive Auskick
Tyler Fishlock lost both his eyes to cancer at the age of three. After years of kicking a footy around
the backyard with his Dad, last year, aged 9yrs he decided he would like to play Auskick.
His father Brad spoke to Michael Solomon, Coordinator at Caroline Springs Auskick about his
involvement, and it was agreed that they would be able to include him. As well as including Tyler in
the group activities, the Centre has also developed a fantastic individual set of activities to hone
‘Torpedo’ Tyler’s skills.
Michael has provided an example of Tyler’s weekly training schedule. Club coaches should take note
about how Michael has focused on Tyler’s abilities, and developed a program accordingly.
9.10-9.20am Warm up
This includes running and stretching as well as figure-8 ball work, etc. This is a challenge for Tyler as
running is difficult because he has no focus point. We have overcome this by using a short rope
attached to both of us while we run.
9.20-9.35am Goal kicking
This is completed by placing a number of balls to the left side of Tyler and using voice directions to
help him locate them. He then takes two steps from his marking cone that he feels before each kick
and then kicks the ball to me in the goal square. I have made myself wrist bands with bells so he can
kick towards the bells to locate me and know in which direction to kick.
9.35-9.40am Shuttle runs
I developed a simple apparatus whereby I tie rope between
to point posts and have tape wrapped around at uneven
intervals along the rope. Tyler then holds the rope while
running until he locates the tape by feel and then returns to
the beginning, doing this repeatedly skipping his last point
and moving to the next then back to the beginning until all
points are reached and he completes the shuttle. Sounds
easy, but let me tell you, I occasionally blind fold Tyler’s
dad so they can compete and doing it by feel is anything
but easy.
9.40-9.50am Handball shuttle
Same apparatus as previous buy when he hits the tape on
the rope we then bends down to pick up a ball (which I
have already place at each interval and then had balls to
my wrist band bells. He continues to do this along the rope
until he’s covered each point and then the end and runs
along the rope back to the beginning to finish the drill. I’ve
also had his dad compete on time trial with this while blind
folded and let me tell you – Tyler wins easily.
Access for All Abilities Melton – 9747 7332 / AAA@melton.vic.gov.au
9.50-9.55am Dribble ball
Using the rope apparatus again, Tyler has a ball at his feet that he has to dribble from one end of the
rope to the other. I have also adapted this to a competitive game against his dad where once again
with dad blind folded they start at opposite ends until the meet, then I count the distance between the
end and where the met and the one that travelled the fastest wins (dad hasn’t won this yet either)
9.55-10.00am
Tyler and Dad join the main group which
is either a handball or kick drill, where
Dad assists for Tyler to participate. Tyler
enjoys this immensely as the sound of
other kid’s voices is something he really
loves.
10-10.30am
Tyler puts on his Auskick bib and
participates with his Dads help in the
game, in the role of designated kick out
for points. Once again he really enjoys
just being there with the other kids.
Michael said “Without participant sight, a coach has to rely on heightened use of verbal
communication and touch, as well as be more innovative, more creative in the way they use
equipment. I really believe it's assisted me when coaching other kids without the challenges
that Tyler has.
Tyler is a great little kid who leaves me humbled every week by his motivation, bravery and
most of all his commitment to being just like any other kid his age, despite the lot he has been
dealt”.
Club contact:
Michael Solomon
0423 212 182
www.carolinespringsauskick.com
Access for All Abilities Melton – 9747 7332 / AAA@melton.vic.gov.au