History of Kick 4 Kids

First established in 2004 Kick 4 Kids was simply a goal kicking marathon where kids from the Cronulla Caringbah u14s each year would kick goals non stop all day to see how many goals they could convert. Sponsors were sourced by the kids to donate money to every goal they converted. All money raised each year was then donated onto children’s charities. This is how the name Kick 4 Kids was established and with the motto being “Kids Helping Kids”.

After three years kicking goals on the local footy park, Endeavour Field, Kick 4 kids with the Cronulla Caringbah club decided to invite other local clubs to participate. The NRL Sharks was asked to be a Major Supporter and with their support Kick 4 Kids moved to the Sharks main playing field Toyota Stadium. Four other clubs decided to join and now there were over 50 kids kicking goals all day.

With great success and great reviews the following year Kick 4 Kids grew and now had over 120 kids in participation and 7 clubs now participating. In 2010 Kick 4 Kids grew even further and had all clubs from the district and many local primary schools in participation which saw the day grow to have over 250 kids, now boys and girls in participation.

Total money raised is now in excess of $100 000. This money has been all donated to various Kids Charities. Included CanTeen (Teens with Cancer), Telstra Care Flight for Kids, & the Starlight Children’s Foundation.

In 2009 Kick 4 Kids had a Sponsors lunch at Toyota Stadium on the day of kids kicking goals which had many great VIP guests. Included were NRL CEO David Gallop, NRL One Community’s Trish Crews, Bill Harrigan, and Men of League’s John Peard. Along with ex great goal kickers Eric Simms, Barry Andrews & John Gray.

Kick 4 Kids wishes to grow and is striving to make the month of July each year the Kick 4 Kids month and have junior clubs & schools with the support of the NRL One Community and all NRL clubs an annual national event. To have 100s of individual self run events coordinated around the country.

Kick 4 Kids also in 2010, established it’s new “Bringing Kids to the Game Program”.

“Bring Kids to the Game”

After donating over $100 000 to kid’s charities, Kick 4 Kids wished to help kids with their own personal touch. It was decided in coordination with the Westmead Children’s Hospital to bring a kid from the country that had been dealing with a major illness, down to attend an NRL game.

A boy from northern NSW whom had been dealing with cancer for over 7 years, over half his life, was approached. This boy along with his sister & father was flown to Sydney for a two night stay at Rydges Hotel Cronulla. Rydges Cronulla kindly donated a suite for the family. This boy’s sister was also donating her bone marrow for his brothers survival throughout.

The family was treated to flights, all meals, spending money & treats along the way whilst in Sydney. The NRL Sharks kindly donated a sign jumper, supporters gear and VIP seats for their game against Manly. The weekend was a huge success and enjoyed by all.

Kick 4 Kids wishes to further establish this program and hopefully bring more kids from the country that have been dealing with major illness to attend an NRL game of their choice.