Deakin's AllPlay encourages all kids to have a kick this footy season

Backed by expert research and clinicians from Deakin's School of Psychology, the AllPlay Footy program gives coaches, parents and clubs access to practical resources to make NAB AFL Auskick a safe and inclusive space for children who may have a developmental delay or disability.

This is the second year for the national program, a collaboration between Deakin's Child Study Centre and the AFL, with funding from Moose Toys and the National Disability Insurance Agency.

The AllPlay Footy website has been loaded with a range of new resources for 2018 including videos from Geelong champ Gary Ablett Junior, Collingwood coach Nathan Buckley and AFL boss Gillon McLachlan.

AllPlay creator, and Director of the Deakin Child Study Centre, Professor Nicole Rinehart said the program's aim was to level the playing field when it came to kids' participation in sport.

"Children with developmental challenges, such as autism, ADHD, cerebral palsy, language disorders and intellectual disabilities, often feel their disabilities are a barrier to participating in team sport," Professor Rinehart said.

"AllPlay is about opening up opportunities for sport to all children, because we can see that it has such a positive impact on not just their physical development, but their social development too.

"This year we've been running a number of pre-learn days in metro and regional Victoria to provide opportunities for inclusion. And the revamped AllPlay Footy website includes new resources for clubs to help ensure children have access to welcoming and inclusive community footy clubs.

"The website also includes resources for health professionals to encourage them to get children with disabilities participating in sports."

Research completed by Deakin's School of Psychology last year found simple adaptions to the NAB AFL Auskick program could encourage kids with Autism Spectrum Disorder to increase physical activity and join in with their peers.

"Sports participation can provide huge benefits beyond just physical exercise and better motor skills, such as improved psychological health and social functioning due to the social aspects of participation," Professor Rinehart said.

Simple adaptions outlined in the AllPlay resources include changing the length of activities, having more activity repetitions to learn new skills, allowing breaks for children to unwind and calm down if needed, and using visual instructions and schedules.

Professor Rinehart said other important inclusive factors were using smaller groups, matching children on similar levels, allowing children to go at their own pace and having their parents involved as much as they needed.

"Nearly 180,000 primary school aged children currently take part in NAB AFL Auskick nationally, and kids with disabilities deserve to be a part of that too," she said.

"Sport is a cornerstone of Australian culture, and it's important for all children regardless of ability."

To find out more about AllPlay Footy visit the website at www.allplayfooty.org.au.