Pupils at the Clunes and Daylesford primary schools started the Australian Sports Commission's Active After School Communities program last week.

The national program is part of the Australian Government's $116 million Building a Healthy, Active Australia package.

AASC regional coordinator Brett Shillito said the program was all about children having fun while being active.

"To achieve this, the program creates a non-competitive environment, catering for children of all ability levels.

"The program is also about encouraging local sporting clubs, organisations and volunteers to be involved by delivering sessions that create pathways for the children's long term community involvement," he said.

Mr Shillito said the program created opportunities for children to increase their activity and confidence levels.

Lawn bowls, cheerleading and break dancing were among the activities being completed as part of the program at Clunes Primary School.

Clunes Primary School principal Andrew Parry said the activities would ensure pupils participated in sports at local sporting clubs.

"We have had a wonderful response from pupils already, having a waiting list for all term one activities," he said.

"On Monday night we had numerous members from the bowls club assisting the pupils with their bowling."

The members will complete a basic introduction to a variety of physical activities including multi-skill sports, cricket, dance and basketball.

Daylesford Primary School principal Peter Burke was delighted to be part of the program.

"We at Daylesford Primary School believe in supporting the Active After School Communities program because we believe and research supports, that children who are connected to a community organisation are less likely to

be disconnected from learning and will benefit both socially and physically," he said.