Swans visit Sydney schools
By Daniel McBride
Young AFL fans right across Sydney were excited to welcome some of the Sydney Swans’ biggest names to their schools on Tuesday.
It was a massive day for all involved, with the Swans players visiting 25 different Sydney schools, as well as helping out with the Paul Kelly Cup.
An impressive 32 players took time out of their preparation for the big season-opening derby against GWS GIANTS at ANZ Stadium on 30th March.
Some of the players that attended were Adam Goodes, Kieren Jack, Lewis Jetta, Sam Reid, Heath Grundy, Jude Bolton, Nick Malceski, Ted Richards, and Lewis Roberts-Thompson.
The players were involved in coaching clinics, talks and autograph signings that had the kids in raptures.
Nearly the entire AFL squad was involved in the events, adding to what has already been a busy few months of community engagement for the Swans.
Yesterday’s activities only further strengthened the fantastic bond that the Sydney Swans have with grassroots clubs and potential future AFL players in NSW/ACT.
AFL NSW/ACT Community Engagement Manager Keiran Donohue was excited about the confidence and maturity shown by some of the club’s youngest players.
“The most pleasing thing about the player visits was the leadership exhibited throughout the ranks of the Swans,” said Donohue.
“Young Swans Alex Brown, Harrison Marsh and Jordan Lockyer were extremely impressive when discussing leadership to the students of Lucas Heights Public School.”
The Swans squad also helped promote the AFL’s message about inclusivity and engagement.
Players visited Al Zahra Islamic College in Arncliffe, Sydney Technical High School in Bexley and Carlton South Public School.
All three schools have a culturally and linguistically diverse student base of over 70 per cent.
