AFL announce 2011 Telstra Community Camps

The AFL today announced the locations for the 2011 Telstra AFL Community Camps.

The Sydney Swans will be visiting Wollongong, Bowral, Newcastle, Coffs Harbour, Port Macquarie, Griffith, Wagga Wagga and Gosford from February 8 to 9. While the Greater Western Sydney Giants will be visiting Canberra at a date to be confirmed.  

Now a tradition in the weeks leading into and during the NAB Cup, the Swans and Giants will visit communities throughout Australia to conduct training sessions, visit schools, nursing homes, hospitals and conduct NAB AFL Auskick clinics.

AFL General Manager National and International Development David Matthews said the camps provide an opportunity to kick off the Australian football season.

“The Telstra AFL Community Camps will see AFL players visit schools, hospitals and football clubs during the countdown to the season.

“It’s a great opportunity for football fans in regional locations to see the players up close as they prepare for Round One,” Mr Matthews said.

Telstra’s General Manager for Sponsorship, Reputation, Experiential and PR, Richard Howarth, said, “Telstra is pleased to be able to provide these opportunities for young, up and coming players to get first-hand advice and benefit from the experience and skills of their sporting heroes.

“We see the tremendous boost these camps give to regional communities, and the positive motivating effect they have on young people’s interest in their sport.”

* Richmond will play the Indigenous All Stars team in Darwin on Saturday February 5.