For the past seven weeks up to 23 students have been playing in the Active After Schools Communities (AASC) program funded by the federal government. 

School learning support officers, Les Haynes and Tamara Allen, have been out on the golf course with keen kids helping them learn how to putt, chip and drive.

Haynes, the coach, has also been teaching the finer points of golf etiquette. 

“The group of kids we had this time have been absolutely brilliant,” Haynes said.

The school has been offering the golf program since 2007 and upgraded its equipment this year with the help of Jack Newton Junior Golf.

The school now has two kits for keen young golfers to choose from.

Haynes said school-aged kids needed more of these programs and more people involved to make it work.

“The kids love it, we need more of it,” he said.

AASC regional coordinator Kate Baker said there were more than 20 programs schools or after school centres could choose from.

Baker said the programs offered a variety of sports and structured programs aimed to encourage and motivate kids in to joining local sports or physical activity clubs.

“It is about bringing the kids in to a positive situation, getting active, having fun, learning new skills and making new friends,” Baker said.

Haynes said the program was successful because of the enthusiasm of the students.

“Sometimes it is hard for the kids to stay engaged for the whole hour but this group was brilliant,” he said.