Essendon Football Club’s early learning program Bomber Kids recently teamed up with Moonee Valley City Council to celebrate Children’s Week at Windy Hill.  

Children’s Week was initially established by the United Nations to celebrate the rights of children and for them to thrive, play, be heard and learn; and that’s exactly what they did. 
 
From football drills led by program ambassador and Essendon AFLW player Maddy Prespakis, to a special visit from Essendon mascot Skeeta and running through a banner, the morning brought together play, learning and community in a way that perfectly embodied what Children’s Week, and indeed Bomber Kids, is all about. 

 
“Celebrating Children’s Week at Windy Hill and creating a welcoming space where people can come together, connect and feel part of both the broader Essendon community and Football Club was a key focus of the event,” says Bomber Kids program lead Brendan Hitchens. 
 
“Having the Moonee Valley Grandparents Playgroup attend was a genuine highlight. Watching children kick a football with their parents and grandparents, three generations of Essendon fans sharing a moment on the hallowed turf of Windy Hill, was a truly special moment.” 
 
From Tullamarine to Tiwi Islands, Broadmeadows to Bendigo, it has been a big year of delivery for the Bomber Kids program, having visited close to 100 early learning educational settings.  

 
Designed around AFL activities, the program goes beyond sport to support three to six-year-olds in developing physical, social and emotional foundations that align with early learning frameworks.  

Guided by play-based learning principles, children engage in games that encourage exploration, creativity and collaboration, developing coordination, resilience and confidence while experiencing the joy of football. 
 
Bomber Kids is now taking bookings for Term 1, 2026. To learn more or book a session, click here.