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halftime orangesA SCHOOL OF PLAY APPGet the app
OUR WHY

We believe every kid deserves a fair go and a great time.

Dale and Paul, founders
Dale & Paul
Two dads. The School of Play.
The story

At The School of Play, we've seen what happens when kids learn through games: they laugh, they try, they get better, and they come back next week.

Created by two dads, Dale and Paul, who just want all kids to love sport and feel like they belong, no matter their ability. There is a place for everyone in sport, especially junior sport, and parents and coaches play such a huge part in this. We hope this app helps guide parents and children to make the journey memorable and enjoyable, as it should be for all.

We also saw the other side. Parent coaches handed a whistle and no plan. Kids sitting on the bench, wondering if it's their turn. Team managers chasing families for scorers and oranges. Good people, doing their best, without the right tools.

So we built Halftime Oranges: everything School of Play knows about play-based learning, in an app any parent can use on a Saturday morning.

What kids tell us matters

When kids are asked what makes sport fun, winning isn't near the top. Trying hard, being a good sport and having a positive coach are. They want fun, friends and a fair go.

48%
of kids play for fun
47%
play to be with friends
57%
want equal playing time
29%
of kids who quit say they felt "not good enough"
Source: Aspen Institute Project Play national youth survey. Research into what makes sport fun: Visek et al., FUN MAPS.

What we stand for

1
Fun first.
If it isn't fun, it isn't working.
2
Fair always.
Equal time, fair teams, shared duties.
3
Everyone belongs.
Every ability, every background, every body.
4
Effort over outcome.
We celebrate trying hard, not just winning.
5
Grown-ups matter too.
Happy coaches and calm sidelines make happy kids.
HOW WE PLAY

Games before drills.

Every game in the app follows Australia's Game Sense approach: games before drills, lots of touches, questions instead of lectures. Every activity can be made easier, harder or more inclusive in a tap.

Join the movement — get the app
Easier
Bigger space, softer ball, more time
Harder
Weak hand, smaller space, add a defender
Everyone in
Change the rules so every child can play
JOIN THE MOVEMENT

Make this season the best one yet.

Free for teams. Set up in five minutes.

Coming soon toApp StoreComing soon toGoogle Play