The season is almost complete but already interest has doubled for potential participants next year.

Ballarat Football League had been wanting to start such a group for awhile but needed the right people to get it started – then Ballarat mum Kellie Tait, whose four-year-old son has autism, enquired and the Auskick group grew.

“Auskick was a bit too fast-paced, there were too many kids and not enough one-on-one time for him to keep up,” Ms Tait said.

“I thought there were probably a lot of kids missing out who love sport and sports statistics and don’t get out to do much physical sport.”

The program considers sensory issues for children and is flexible enough to run at their pace, with some fun time factored in.

Ms Tait is nominated for Good Sports’ Beating Heart award and in the running to win $3000 to help buy more equipment – like tackle bags.

To vote: beatingheart.com.au/nominee/kellie/