A general scene at the 2026 NAB AFL Auskick Launch. Picture: AFL Photos

For fun, friendship and fresh air – it’s got to be NAB AFL Auskick.

Australia’s most loved participation program is back for another season of good clean fun, with NAB AFL Auskick launching today at Balloon Story, as NAB celebrates 20 years as the naming rights partner of the program.

For two decades, NAB has proudly supported NAB AFL Auskick to help more than 2.1 million children across 3,500 centres discover the joy of Australian Football and connect with the game as the league strives to have footy in every home.

Building confidence, friendships and lifelong memories in a safe, inclusive and welcoming environment, NAB AFL Auskick continues to be the first introduction to Aussie Rules for families across the country.

Celebrating the programs 30-year milestone in 2025, NAB AFL Auskick is Australia’s leading participation program. More than 141,000 registered participants signed up last year, with the goal of growing the Auskick community to 150,000 and beyond in 2026.

Through the implementation of new offerings designed to make NAB AFL Auskick more inclusive, such as dedicated all girls programs, girls now make up a quarter of all participants, and Auskickers who have a parent born overseas account for 25 per cent of total participation.

Registered Auskickers receive a pack of goodies in their choice of footy colours, an Auskick Junior Club Membership, opportunities to play at half time during AFL and AFLW matches, and thanks to NAB, the chance to present players with their premiership medals at the Toyota AFL Grand Final and NAB AFLW Grand Final.

AFL Chief Operating Officer Tom Harley said NAB AFL Auskick is a terrific way for children and their families to connect with Australia’s Game as the AFL strives to have footy in every home.

“We’re incredibly proud that NAB AFL Auskick remains Australia’s leading participation program, giving kids and families across the country a fun and welcoming way to connect with our game,” said Harley.

“With a focus on fun and friendship, NAB AFL Auskick helps kids build confidence, stay active and feel connected, and families don’t need any previous footy experience to get involved.

“As we head into another season, we thank NAB for their incredible support over the past 20 years and ongoing commitment to the program, along with the parents and volunteers who help bring Auskick to life each week and inspire the next generation of footy fans.”

On hand for the national launch in Melbourne, Hawthorn forward Jack Ginnivan said NAB AFL Auskick played a big role in his early love of the game.

“Auskick is where it all started for me. It was all about having fun with your mates, running around and just loving footy. Those experiences are what make you fall in love with the game and keep coming back,” said Ginnivan.

NAB Chief Marketing Officer Natalie Lockwood said NAB AFL Auskick reflects NAB’s commitment to being a partner for Australians at every stage of life, starting with the very first steps.

“NAB AFL Auskick is where footy begins - where first kicks are taken, friendships are formed and kids discover the joy of being part of a team,” Lockwood said.

“At NAB, we believe in being a partner for every stage of life and business, and Auskick represents one of the earliest and most important stages for families as they begin their journey with footy and community sport.

“For 20 years, NAB has proudly partnered with the AFL and local communities to stand alongside the parents, volunteers and coordinators who create a place where every child can turn up, feel included and have a go. 

“These early experiences matter. They shape lifelong connections - not just to the game, but to community – and we’re proud to support families and this important stage.”

Striving to reach 1 million participants by 2033, the AFL is committed to growing Aussie Rules so that everyone can love and connect with Australia’s game. To achieve this target, NAB AFL Auskick plays a key role to help strengthen the foundation of the game, backed by a 10 per cent enshrined investment into Game Development initiatives.

For more information about NAB AFL Auskick and to register, visit: play.afl/auskick

About NAB AFL Auskick

    • NAB AFL Auskick is an introductory program for kids to connect with Australian Football while having lots of fun and being active – smiles and grass stains are guaranteed!
    • In weekly sessions, kids focus on building football skills and playing in a safe and super fun setting. Expect small groups, heaps of games and parent/guardian involvement.
    • NAB AFL Auskick invites all children aged 5-12 no matter their knowledge, skill or ability, to participate in the tackle-free program.
    • NAB AFL Auskick offers an inclusive environment for everyone to get involved, with optional ‘All Girls’ Auskick programs and All-Abilities Auskick centres available.
    • More than 141,000 boys and girls participated in NAB AFL Auskick programs at more than 3,500 centres across the country in 2025
    • Auskick participants have the chance to feature in mini games during halftime at elite AFL and AFLW matches throughout the season. A once-in-a-lifetime experience for many kids!
    • Upon signing up, all Auskickers get an awesome pack filled with cool footy goodies not available anywhere else.
    • Visit play.afl/auskick for more details.

About Balloon Story

Balloon Story is now open in Melbourne and Sydney after enchanting thousands in New York. Step inside a world built from more than 400,000 balloons and discover an immersive, eco-friendly universe bursting with colour, creativity and pure imagination.

Staged at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre and Sydney Showgrounds, more than 130,000 people have enjoyed Balloon Story already.

Click here to purchase tickets for Balloon Story Melbourne and Sydney – don’t miss out, must close Sunday April 19, 2026.