Newcastle kids meet the Swans

The clinic, held at Bill Elliott Oval in Newcastle, home of the Wallsend Swans Junior AFL Club, was a joint initiative between AFL NSWACT and the Northern Settlement Services, who assist refugees to assimilate into the Australian way of life.

These children form part of the Northern Settlement Services homework classes, and didn’t hesitate to take one afternoon off their studies, to have a kick with two of the Swans, including 2012 Premiership hero Kieren Jack.

AFL NSW/ACT Manager – Hunter/Central Coast region, Simon Smyth, was delighted with the turnout.

“To have 13 children give up an afternoon, to come and try a brand new sport, that some of them have never seen before, was amazing,” Smyth said.

“The kids were so enthusiastic and so athletically talented.

“I would love to see some of them come and play at the Wallsend Swans in 2013.”

Kids from African and Papau New Guinean descent were among the attendees and showed off their kicking and marking skills in front of impressed onlookers.

Junior football in the Hunter region is played on a Sundays – To find your local club, visit www.playafl.com.au