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Active kids get a better start in life

Simple activities such as learning how to kick a ball could give your child a better start in life.

The WA Football Commission is helping youngsters through its footy fundamentals program.

But the program is not just about AFL.

"It's about fundamental movement skills," WAFC junior football manager Troy Kirkham said.

"We teach kids to run, skip, jump, catch, throw and kick. It's about engaging kids in early childhood and making them active."

Mr Kirkham said teaching parents how to encourage their children to be more physically active was a big part of the program.

"A lot of kids are getting a lot more screen time these days and some parents don't know how to get them physically engaged and active," he said.

"We teach parents how to play with their kids and teach them a variety of skills."

The Department of Sport and Recreation plans to explain a number of initiatives at its Active Series Forum tomorrow at its Leederville headquarters.

WA Sport and Recreation Minister Terry Waldron said the forum would explore ways to build healthy individuals.

"From the ages of zero to five, participating in active play is encouraged and builds a foundation for healthy lifetime habits," Mr Waldron said. "The forum will examine challenges in engaging this age group and showcase examples where sports, non-government organisations and local governments have worked to support active play opportunities for young children.

"Supporting all children to be active is good for their physical and social development skills."

For more information about the public forum, visit www.dsr.wa.gov.au .