About Junior Football and Auskick at The Waves Eagles: Juniors and Auskick Bundaberg
The Waves Eagles AFL Club is proud to provide a welcoming, inclusive, and family-focused football environment where young players can learn, grow, and develop a lifelong love of the game. Our club is built on strong values of integrity, respect, and teamwork, and we are committed to ensuring every child has the opportunity to participate in sport in a safe and supportive setting.
Our junior programs begin with NAB AFL Auskick, which introduces children aged five and above to Australian Football through fun, game-based activities that build confidence, coordination, and teamwork. Auskick focuses on participation and enjoyment, allowing children to learn the basics of the game in a relaxed environment while making friends and gaining valuable life skills.
As players grow, they can transition into our Junior Football program for ages 7–12, where weekly training sessions and weekend matches help develop football skills, teamwork, and sportsmanship. Junior competitions follow age-appropriate rules designed to ensure a positive experience that prioritises safety, learning, and enjoyment while helping young players build confidence and stay involved in the game.
At The Waves Eagles, we believe junior development is the foundation of a strong club and a strong community. Our programs create pathways for players to progress from Auskick through junior football and into youth and senior teams, while also building friendships and a sense of belonging within the club.
Importantly, all of our coaches are PlayAFL accredited and hold current Working With Children Blue Cards, ensuring that every session is delivered in a safe, structured, and supportive environment for our young players.
We warmly welcome new families to join The Waves Eagles and become part of a club that values participation, development, and community spirit as much as the game itself. We encourage all families in the Bundaberg community to become part of our club and experience the fun, friendships, and opportunities that come with playing football at The Waves Eagles.
Junior Football
For players ready to take the next step into competition.
Register here
NAB AFL Auskick (ages 5+)
Perfect for children starting their football journey.
Register here
If you would like more information about our junior programs, please contact the club. We are always happy to help new players and families get involved.
Meet our 2026 Junior Coaches
Auskick
Chelsea Fankhauser
Chelsea returns for her second year as Auskick Coordinator, bringing her experience as an early childhood educator to the role. She loves working with the club’s youngest players and helping them build confidence, skills, and a love for footy from the very beginning.
Under 9’s
Travis Patterson
Travis returns for his second year coaching the Under 9s. A premiership player with the Eagles, Travis brings a strong football brain and a great understanding of the game to our junior program.
Under 9’s
Callum Charlesworth
Callum has played AFL since Auskick and is now an Under 17s player pushing towards senior men’s selection. A passionate Hawthorn supporter, Callum brings enthusiasm, experience, and a strong connection to the junior pathway.
Under 9’s
Layla Bunting
Layla is a member of our Senior Women’s team and has played AFL for four years, including time with the Morningside Panthers. With experience working with children, Layla brings patience, energy, and a positive approach to junior development.
Under 11’s
Kris Van Beek
Kris is a local primary school teacher and joined the Eagles community in 2025. In his first year as coach, he brings a strong passion for supporting young players and has quickly embraced the family and community feel of the club.
Why Join our Juniors & Auskick?
At The Waves Eagles, our Juniors and Auskick Bundaberg programs are designed to help young players build confidence, learn AFL skills and enjoy being part of a supportive local club community.
We believe junior football should be about more than the game. It should help children develop teamwork, friendships, respect and a lifelong love of sport. Whether your child is starting with Auskick or continuing through junior football, The Waves Eagles provides a welcoming pathway where every child can learn, grow and thrive.
Skill Development
Players learn the basic skills of AFL in a positive and age-appropriate environment, helping them grow their confidence on and off the field.
Confidence & Teamwork
Juniors and Auskick help children develop teamwork, communication, resilience and friendships through community sport.
Family-Friendly Club
The Waves Eagles welcomes families, carers and volunteers, creating a supportive club environment where everyone can feel involved.
Football Pathway
Auskick and junior football provide the foundation for young players to continue developing through youth football and future club opportunities.
Our commitment to promoting Juniors and Auskick Bundaberg is evident in every program we offer.