Sydney Swans Give Back: Community Camps 2016

The 2016 Australia Post AFL Community Camps commenced around the harbour this week, with Swans players spending two days meeting fans, and creating strong ties between their local communities and AFL.

By Isabelle O’Brien’

This year the Community Camps focused n involving schools and junior clubs, to encourage participation in AFL across the city.

As the first major event on the AFL calendar for the year, the Australia Post Community Camps allows players to give back to their fans, something AFL NSW/ACT Sydney Harbour General Manager Simon Wilson can’t support enough.

“Having the Sydney Swans visiting their fans across the Sydney Harbour region is an amazing way for the stars to appreciate the support they receive from their fans, and show their support for local AFL clubs in return,” Wilson said.

“It’s great to see the excitement from junior players in meeting and interacting their favourite Swans players, and encourage passion, participation and support for grassroots footy clubs as well.”

Swans players split into groups, with some staying close to home whilst others travelled far and wide to mix with members of numerous townships.

The Ramsgate Rams in the Sydney South played host to stars Kurt Tippett and Ben McGlynn.

McGlynn, on his second visit to Tombridge Oval was delighted at the turnout of more than 100 kids and parents.

“It great to see such a good turnout, and see all these kids getting involved in Auskick.”

Ramsgate juniors were thrilled to meet the two stars, getting the opportunity to brush up on skills with seasoned professionals.

Tippett and McGlynn got involved in running some training drills, taking part in games, running a great Q&A that got some great questions and laughs, as well as taking photos and signing autographs for their fans.

Whilst over in the East, Josh Kennedy and Ted Richards were hosted by Bronte Nippers at Bronte Surf Club.

With great weather for a barbeque, turnout for the event was excellent with beachgoers and Surf Club members alike making their way over to take part in fun activities.

Kennedy and Richards ran a kicking clinic, skills drills, as well as chatting to kids, many of whom snapped a photo and received autographs.

Sydney Harbour Participation Manager, Tim Fava, was very pleased with the turnout at the event, thanking the Bronte Surf Club for their involvement.

“It was a wonderful event, and it was fantastic to see kids of all skill levels taking part,” Fava said.

“I think we were really successful in getting kids from the nippers involved in the game, trying out some new skills, meeting the Swans and just having a good time.”