As the Nippers season comes to an end for local Surf Life Saving Clubs, it signals the start of the winter sports season – and there is no shortage of winter sports for kids in Kiama. 

This year, Kiama Downs Nippers finished its 2023-24 season early to give families an opportunity to enjoy a few free Sundays before their weekends were spent sitting on the sidelines of a sport’s field. It was a welcome decision for carers who can feel under pressure to juggle multiple sporting commitments, whether it’s netball and football, rugby league or soccer.

To avoid parent burnout when it comes to winter sports, the answer could be getting more involved in the season, not less. Whether it’s volunteering or training with your children, here’s how families can embrace winter sports together.

1. Volunteer

According to research, volunteering can provide a sense of belonging, improve mental health and physical fitness. In 2023, Kiama Knights – a family-friendly club providing opportunities for boys and girls to play junior rugby league or league tag – had over 170 volunteers helping in different roles. 

It might be helping to set-up or pack up the ground, carrying water for the team or manning the barbeque. Ask at your local club for volunteer opportunities.

1. Train Together

As the parents of a sporty child, it can feel like your own fitness comes second place. There are various ways for the whole family to workout together. 

At Taekidokai Martial Arts, they offer a family class on a Tuesday night in their Albion Park location and a Thursday night in Kiama, where children, aged four and above, and their parents can learn a martial art together in a safe, family-friendly environment. 

1. Play to your Skillset

When it comes to volunteering, think about what skills you could add to an organisation, whether it’s on or off the field. Kiama Little Athletics Centre are currently looking for new committee members to replace several long-serving Committee members from September. The goal of a Committee is to plan strategies to ensure the sustainable future of the club and help it to stay visible in the local community. 

For more information, visit lakiama.com.

1. Think Ahead

Even if you can’t get involved in a club this current season, consider upskilling now to help in the future. Football NSW has a range of online training programs, from coaching and volunteering with MiniRoos, to becoming a referee. There is also a push for growing the competency and capability of female football coaches across the State. 

For more information, visit footballnsw.com.au/coach-hub

1. Be a Positive Spectator

In May 2024, the Office of Sport will kick off a new campaign called, ‘Shoosh for Kids’, which encourages positive spectator behaviour at junior sports games. They don’t want parents to stay silent on the sidelines but they do want interactions to be positive, fun and respectful. 

Their guidelines include: “If your comment is negative, then Shoosh. If your negative comment is directed at a child, then Shoosh. 

Reward good performance with applause and, if you can't, then Shoosh. 

The campaign is supported by the AFL, Basketball Australia, Football NSW and Hockey NSW, amongst other partners. 

For more information, visit sport.nsw.gov.au/shoosh-for-kids