Get Around Swans In Coffs

The Geelong Cats spent a pre-season stint in Coffs Harbour late in 2013, but Swans players will be much more recognisable to locals, with the club’s connections with Coffs becoming increasingly solid.

After regular community camp visits to local schools and clubs in recent years, the men in red and white spent four days in Coffs Harbour in 2013, and the club didn’t hesitate to return to the world-class C.ex Coffs International Stadium facility once more in 2014.

A branch of the QBE Swans Academy is also stationed in Coffs, and Acting Council Sports Unit Manager Leanne Coad is excited to have the senior side in town too.

“The Swans players and staff have become regular visitors to Coffs in the last few years and have developed a great relationship with the local community, as well as AFL fans,” said Coad.

“This year’s training camp is the second the Club has held at the C.ex Coffs International Stadium and features an AFL Superclinic which will be a great chance for kids to put their footy skills to the test, pick up some handy hints and get autographs from the Sydney Swans players.”

After the Chamber of Commerce breakfast and a handful of school visits next Thursday morning, the Swans will turn their attention to the superclinic,  which is expected to attract more than 100 youngsters from the region.

Registration is essential, through this link, with proceedings kicking off at 4pm.

The Chamber of Commerce breakfast begins at 7am on Thursday January 30 at the Novotel Pacific Bay Resort, with Sydney Swans CEO Andrew Ireland giving a guest address about strategic business thinking in sport.

Reservations can be made to the chamber office by email or phone, and with senior coach John Longmire on hand, as well as a handful of players, numbers look set to rival last year’s turn out of 250.

“AFL NSW/ACT is delighted to see both the Geelong Cats and Sydney Swans AFL clubs utilising the high performance facilities available up at Coffs Harbour over the 2013/2014 summer period,” said State Operating & Major Projects Manager Joseph La Posta.

“The training facilities and secluded surrounds of the Novotel at Pacific Bay are ideal for intensive preseason camps and player rehabilitation and the surface of the C.Ex Stadium is in excellent condition, presenting an elite training and match day facility.

“Credit must also go to Coffs Harbour City Council who have been fantastic supporters of both our code and the Sydney Swans.

“The vision shown by the Council to sign on with the Swans for a community partnership, ensures elite AFL content into Coffs Harbour and the surrounding region.

“This greatly assists our ability to promote the game in Northern NSW and ensures that our young participants have the chance to see their AFL stars in their own backyard.”

The Swans itinerary for Coffs Harbour is as follows:

Tuesday January 28
Swans arrive in Coffs Harbour.

Wednesday January 29
9:00am – 10:30am | Open training session at C.ex Coffs International Stadium.

Thursday January 30
7:00am – 9:00am | Chamber of Commerce Breakfast
4:00pm – 5:30pm | Sydney Swans junior superclinic, C.ex Coffs International Stadium.

Friday January 31
9:00am – 10:30am | Open training session at C.ex Coffs International Stadium.
Swans depart Coffs Harbour airport in the afternoon.