Here's what some people have to say about Ausball.
“The LA trip was a great experience for us and a terrific bonding exercise for the players, especially the younger blokes. One of the personal highlights for me was getting out there early in the week and visiting some of the schools. It was amazing how quickly the US kids took to the game and we had a lot of fun joining in and having a kick. We have the greatest game in the world and it was great to see some international kids being exposed to it. Within half an hour they were hooked and screaming for more. Ausball has a great format and I wish Denis all the best. He’s not just exposing our game, but our culture as well and I wish there was more we could do to help out. It’s pioneering stuff.”
~ Paul Roos
2005 AFL Premiership Coach
Sydney Swans
As a middle school teacher for 28 years, I am always looking for new activities to keep my kids motivated. Middle school is that age that requires constant movement, motivation, and fun to keep them interested. The introduction by Denis Ryan of the sport of "Footy" definitely fulfilled all 3 requirements. My kids quickly grasped the basic fundamental skills and Denis had them participating and enjoying the game before the class was over. The best quote of the day, "can we play this again next class". How many times have you wanted to hear those words spoken? I highly recommend anyone who has not seen Footy played, to contact Denis, let him introduce your kids to a great
cardiorespiratory, cooperative sport. Your kids will love it.
~ Patti Patterson
“Thank you so much for sharing this wonderful sport with us! I am really excited to use your techniques in my Physical Education class and I am looking forward to seeing how my students respond to it. Your website is an awesome place to get information and the lesson plans are really helpful!! “
~ Heather Richeson
Cadwallader Middle School
Las Vegas, NV
"At the end of the USFootyKids in-service, teacher after teacher came up to me and commented how, finally, it was something they could use. Since then, they're all been teaching footy and the kids are just loving it.“
~ Susan Henderson
Physical Education & Health Coordinator
Mesquite ISD, TX
09/30/05
“Denis, thanks so much to you and the whole gang for getting out here yesterday. Your demonstration was great - the kids loved it and the teachers have pledged to use it as a regular part of their class activities.“
~ Nathaniel Badder
Brentwood School, Los Angeles, CA
Thanks for allowing Waukesha North to work with the players on Wednesday. The students had a great time. Chuck Bova has ordered equipment to bring the sport into our curriculum. The staff is very excited.
~ Dan Domach
Thank you for helping arrange the "footy" opportunity for our kids and faculty. I had the opportunity to observe and participate and enjoyed the experience very much. The two gentlemen were excellent teachers and role models for our kids. Thanks to you our faculty and students gained a whole new experience. As you know we are already working on incorporating footy into our future PE activities.
Thanks for bringing this opportunity to Waukesha North!
~ Ryan Champeau
Principal
Waukesha, WI
05/01/05
“Congrats on a great first session. When can you do it again?”
~ Rick Beattie
Executive Director
Wauwatosa Recreation Department
“It was fun. We all got to do stuff. We loved the backpack and we loaded up the screen saver on my Dad’s PC”
~ Daisy
I liked the scrimmages the best. I got to meet people I didn’t know. I learnt a lot of new things”.
~ Nate
01/02/05
Denis Ryan's Australian football program offers a unique addition to any PE curriculum.
I would strongly urge teachers to participate in exposing your students to this fun and exciting sport, that incorporates the health benefits of a structured PE program. I have seen Denis implement his curriculum and can attest to his enthusiasm and motivation that is passed along to those participating. If you would like to experience something new try Australian football.
~ Curt Jablin
Southwest Teacher of the year 2002
Owner, www.Skatingamerica.com
10/14/04
Last June of 2004, I was fortunate enough to have Denis Ryan present his US Footy Kids program to the boys and girl of Sandalwood Elementary School. Now before I commend Denis on his presentation, I would like to mention that our school is a Title I school in Baltimore County, Maryland, with a very diverse population. Since we are so diverse and open to the ideas of exploring new ways to promote multicultural learning, US Footy was a perfect fit. I had a total of five classes that day, ranging from Kindergarden to 5th grade. Denis Ryan came prepared by bringing all the necessary equipment to our school including footies, cones, jerseys and goals. Denis first introduced the sport tying in the orgin/ background of the sport including important vocabulary of the game and equipment, as well as famous Australian people in America. He also introduced our students the word "mates", which they still use to this day. His lesson started with a team building exercise that promoted team play, cooperation as well as sportsmanship. Following this activity, we worked on basic skills of Australian rules football. I was amazed at the different levels of skills he had from the learly primary level all the way to the 5th graders. He had kindergardeners working on coordination and manipulative skills with the footy and the older students passing and receiving the footy with partners. He then incorporated all of these activities into a group game in which the students loved. Since this is the first time these students have seen this game it was a good learning experience as well as a great way to develop and refine every day physical education skills. Since I had Denis come to this school, Australian Rules Football is in my every year curriculum. I want to personally and professionally thank the USFOOTY organization as well as Denis Ryan for a wonderful and beneficial program. I would also highly recommend this presentation to all levels of physical education.
~ John R. Sturm
Physical Education Teacher
Baltimore, MD
The clinic was great! It was an exciting introduction to a new sport and the students and teachers loved it. It is a game that can be adapted in many ways and played with all age levels!!!!
~ Brook Westerfield
Chattahoochee Elementary School
Cummings, GA
I highly recommend the United States Australian Rules Football clinic conducted by Mr. Denis Ryan. The six week program not only introduced our children to something new and different, but stressed the importance of teamwork in sports. Mr. Ryan made the clinic fun for all and his rapport with the children was exemplary. Our children- boys and girls alike- had a great time while discovering that competition and play really are the same thing.
Sincerely,
~ Ed Roesinger
Mora Crossman Center Director
I would just like to say thank you for your lesson plans!
As a teacher of 11 - 13 year old Kiwi students in New Zealand I had only limited understanding of the game. However after reading the lesson plans and introduction I have a much better grasp on things and am looking forward to getting out there and playing!
Thanks once again.
~ Lisa Pompey
