Kids go free

North Melbourne co-captain Jy Simpkin and Essendon's Xavier Duursma joined some of the league's biggest fans to launch Kids Go Free Month. (AFL Photos/Michael Willson)

Kids across the country are gearing up for a month of fun and footy, as the AFL welcomes the return of its Kids Go Free Month initiative that will be held from rounds 16-19 of the AFL season.

AFL game development executive general manager Rob Auld, Essendon’s Xavier Duursma, North Melbourne co-captain Jy Simpkin and junior footy fans gathered at Marvel Stadium on Monday, June 24 to officially launch the initiative.

In celebration of the game’s smallest fans, children aged 14 years and under will have free entry to matches played between June 28 to July 21 lining up with school holidays nationwide.

It marks the third year of the Kids Go Free Month initiative, which saw more than 215,000 junior fans attend the footy during the campaign last year, a 27.5 per cent uplift in junior attendance through the campaign period compared to the season average.

Each match will have nominated ticket categories available in which junior tickets are free, and big kids and small kids alike will have the chance to enjoy a variety of family-focused activities and fun, with an enhanced match-day experience full of entertainment, giveaways, food and beverage offerings and more.

In addition, all games at Marvel Stadium in rounds 16-19 will feature free popcorn, whole fruit and fairy floss for juniors at matches, surprise and delight seat upgrades and value-for money food and beverage offerings for juniors including a free AFL footy card park with every kids meal pack, and a free regular hot chips when you buy one large chips for fans pre-match.

Auld said the initiative will continue to build on the success from 2023.

“The AFL is thrilled to launch our third installment of Kids Go Free Month. It was a big hit in 2023 with a 27.5 per cent increase in junior attendance at games during the campaign.

“Kids Go Free Month offers more than just footy, with special food and beverage offerings and, enhanced match-day activations fun for the whole family it’s a must do activity these school holidays,” Mr. Auld said.

“We’ve seen record crowd attendances this season, and with nine blockbuster rounds of men’s football left, there’s no better time for fans of all ages to come to the footy and enjoy the entertainment on and off the field.”

Details: www.afl.com.au/kidsgofree.