Coles Healthy Kicks, kicked off last Monday on  afl.com.au/HealthyKicks. This fun and entertaining health and fitness program is designed specifically to encourage Australian children aged 7- 14 years old to embrace healthy cooking, mindfulness, and exercise.

The series encourages young viewers to enjoy a healthy lifestyle by taking them inside the Coles Kitchen where past and present players help cook quick and healthy recipes for kids to try at home, including a weekly recipe inspired by the many cultures within the Australian community.

Kids can join in at home with strength sessions, and mobility and flexibility exercises run by AFL MAX co-founder and premiership player James Podsiadly, along with useful tips and tricks for improving mental health and wellbeing.

Host Bianca Hunt is joined by some of the best male and female current and former players including NAB AFLW number one draft pick Gabby Newton, four-time premiership player, Jordan Lewis, dual athlete, and Collingwood star Sharni Layton, and Coles Ambassador Sabrina Frederick from Richmond.

AFL General Manager of Commercial, Kylie Rogers, said the new program is being introduced at a time when Australian’s need it the most.page1image3771728

Rogers said:

“Sport provides kids the confidence and capability to be active, setting up strong foundations for a healthier life, with proven long-term physical, psychological, social, and cognitive benefits for kids. Footy is the perfect vehicle to deliver an entertaining and educational program at a time when so many children have been isolating or social distancing.”

“We’re thrilled to continue this great partnership with Coles, with the program sure to be a great addition to many households each day.”

Coles Chief Marketing Officer Lisa Ronson was delighted to launch the new initiative.

Ronson said:

“Coles is committed to supporting all Australians and providing families with the ability to live happy and healthy lives. We know that as kids grow older, their healthy eating habits can decline. Our customer insights show that fewer than one in two pre-teens eat fruit (44%) and fewer than one in five eat vegetables each day (16%).”

“This program is focussed on helping kids develop their independence and make healthy life choices. It’s designed to inspire them with fun exercises and wellness routines they can do in their homes.

“We’re proud to support Aussie kids, and hope they love Coles Healthy Kicks as much as we’ve loved creating it.”

Coles and the AFL announced a five-year partnership in February this year, with Coles taking the naming rights of the centre circle for the 2020 Toyota AFL Premiership season.