Matts voice has slowly deteriorated but his passion for AFL and helping local kids getting involved in sport hasn't. Despite his restrictions Matt has been more than happy in performing his Auskick role but his voice has not always able to be heard. Auskick player's mum and now assistant Auskick coach Renee Kemp saw that something needed to be done and took a proactive approach in trying to seek sponsorship from the organisation he voluntary represents, the NSW/ACT AFL.

John Love, the South Coast/ACT regional manager and Simon Wilson, participation manager for NSW/ACT AFL jumped onto the cause and contacted Narooma Lions offering to assist. The PA unit was ordered and is now receiving a workout every Thursday afternoon. The system also had a thrashing at the recent Auskick Gala Day on Monday, May 3 with all the regional K1 and K2 Auskick kids at Bill Smyth Oval Narooma.

Matt said, "I'm very touched by the AFL's response but in particular the work that Renee has put into this and recognising my passion and need in continuing in this role.”

Auskick is a non-competitive, non-contact sport for primary school children that is professionally run as part of Narooma Lions AFL Club. Children are taught the fundamentals of AFL in a secure environment without the pressure of tackling or the requirement to travel each weekend for games.

Registration can be done on site each Thursday and costs $70 per child for the season. In addition to being a full playing member of Narooma Lions Football Club each registered Auskick participant receives a Rookie Auskick pack which includes a footy, backpack, Auskick cap, drink bottle, footy cards and lots more.

Narooma Lions Auskick is played weekly (excluding NSW School Holidays) at Bill Smyth Oval Thursday afternoons 4pm to 5pm. For more information contact Narooma's Auskick Coordinator, Matt Ratcliffe on 0407 238 894.