What is Tiny Torpedoes?
Tiny Torpedoes is a relaxed and fun introduction to the game of AFL or Aussie Rules Football. We focus on fun and fostering a love of the game while developing core agility skills. We work together as a team to encourage and support one another as we learn.
Our story
Coach Trav’s journey with football started in the northern suburbs of Adelaide, where he spent his childhood kicking a footy with friends, family and anyone else who would join him. It was clear from the age of 8 that this was more than a passing phase. It became a full-blown passion and a huge part of his life.
He was fortunate enough to fulfil his dream of playing 230 AFL games for both Geelong and Collingwood. During this time, he played in 2 winning premierships with Geelong in 2009 and 2011. While he enjoyed working with the younger players at Collingwood, his belief in the power of development was solidified when he kicked off his coaching journey as Development Coach with the Western Bulldogs in 2021, and more recently as Senior Coach of the Altona Vikings.
It was clear that there was a need for an AFL-specific program aimed at toddlers and preschoolers. The pilot program kicked off in Williamstown and was such a success that we saw many families signing up. However, due to family tragedy in 2018, we had no choice but to put the Tiny Torpedoes program on hold.
Now, with renewed enthusiasm, we are thrilled to relaunch Tiny Torpedoes. For Trav, this is a unique opportunity to give kids something he never had at an early age – the first steps to learning the skills of AFL and the potential to kickstart an AFL dream. At Tiny Torpedoes, we wholeheartedly believe in creating a fun, supportive, and developmental environment where every kid can thrive.
Meet the Team
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Coach Trav
CO FOUNDER
With an AFL career spanning 230 games, Travis Varcoe is no stranger to the game. He enjoyed a successful 15–year career in the AFL. Drafted by the Geelong Football Club in 2005, Travis played a crucial role in their 2009 and 2011 premierships, appearing in four Grand Finals overall. He also represented his state in the Indigenous All-Stars and played for the International Rules team against Ireland. In 2014, Travis moved to the Collingwood Football Club, where he continued to contribute significantly to the team.
Following his retirement in 2020, Travis transitioned to coaching, embracing a role as a Development Coach at the Western Bulldogs for three seasons. Currently, he leads the Altona Vikings as their Senior Coach, eager to share his experience and knowledge with the next generation of footballers.
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Coach Kim
OPERATIONS
While Kim did not grow up in Victoria with AFL, her love of sport started from an early age where she played netball and touch football and also competed in swimming. She continued these sports throughout her teenage years where she competed at both a state and national level.
Kim has maintained an active lifestyle in her adult life with a love for boxing, strength training and anything high energy and she enjoys spending time with her friends and family.
What drives us
We’re big believers in the magic of sport, we love the community, the connection, physical well-being and of course, the fun! It's so important to us that children are introduced to sport in an inspiring way. We bring this kind of energy into everything that we do at Tiny Torpedoes.
Our class sizes are intentionally kept small, to help your little ones have a fun time. Keeping them active is our goal - not waiting around in queues.
Skills we focus on:
Gross motor skills
Gross motor skills are critical for a child's development and well-being. At Tiny Torpedoes your child will develop their skills around running, marking, catching and weaving. Our lessons have a focus on body movement and the development of fundamental AFL skills. Hand-eye coordination will be strengthened through play as your child learns to do advanced movements like catching.
Listening skills and focus skills
As part of the Tony Torpedoes team, your child will learn to listen to their coach and assistants. Instructions will be broken down into age-level appropriate language to really bring the fun into each activity. Each class follows a similar format so that children have a sense of predictability in the routine flow of the class.
Being part of the team
Of course, being part of Tiny Torpedoes means that your child will be part of our team. We’ll support them in encouraging their teammates and making friendships along the way. Your child will have a sense of belonging – as everyone wears the Tiny Torpedoes team guernsey to each session.