Swans stopover at 28 junior clubs

By Isabelle O’Brien and Tim Fava

More than 100 local juniors fronted up at most locations across the Harbour City to meet their heroes, with stars such as Lance “Buddy” Franklin, Kurt Tippett, and Rhyce Shaw among those on the community club trail.

Players at the Newtown Swans had the opportunity to chat with Sydney Swans players Nick Malceski and Harrison Marsh, the pair running skills clinics, doing interviews, and mingling with young local players and their families.

Youngsters were ecstatic to get up close and personal with the men in red and white, with the visits aimed to encourage kids and their families to get more involved in their local club and the game.

The evening included a ‘Parent Orientation Night’ run by AFL NSW/ACT, which was designed to introduce families to the sport of AFL and give insight into the game and local club culture, as well as educate parents on the various ways they can participate in the running of junior AFL programs.

AFL NSW/ACT regional manager Simon Wilson praised the involvement of the Swans in Sydney’s local AFL community.

“It is fantastic to have the Sydney Swans supporting grass roots football in Sydney,” Wilson said.

“A highly successful and respected sporting club has a long lasting impression on junior participants and endearing them to the game of AFL.”

Above: Swans stars Lance Franklin and Harry Cunningham at Glebe

A sun-drenched afternoon welcomed North Ryde Dockers punters to ELS hall oval, with plenty of kids and parents eagerly awaiting their chance to hear a speech from Swans players and learn some new skills.

As the Auskick particpants were led away to get their first touch of the synthetic leather, AFL NSW/ACT State Club Development Manager Tim Fava rounded up parents to educate them about all things AFL.

Fava’s chat was well received, but it his words were paled in comparison to the coaching expertise of Stuart Newman.

Newman, a long-time AFL mentor with years of experience coaching several sports, wowed the North Ryde locals with his slick presentation, affable manner, and wealth of knowledge, and many commented that they’d never seen a more informative coaching session.

 Above: Swans players are grilled at Pennant Hills

A great evening culminated in Rhyce Shaw working through group training drills, and signing everything from jumpers, boots, and arms, to ninja turtle T-shirts and soccer balls.

“Having Stuart out there added so much value to the night, and allowed me to properly promote registrations, the Swans’ red rookie program, and get half a dozen of the boys’ sisters to sign up,” enthused Fava.

“It was a definitely a hugely successful evening for the club and the AFL, with everyone walking away excited for the season ahead.”

Registrations for the 2014 season are now open, information on local junior football clubs can be found at www.playafl.com.au.