Sydny Swans head back to school

AFL NSW/ACT: Sydney Swans School Clinic. March 7, 2017. Stanmore Primary School, Sydney, NSW, Australia. Photo: Narelle Spangher, AFL NSW/ACT

AFL NSW/ACT: Sydney Swans School Clinic. March 7, 2017. Stanmore Primary School, Sydney, NSW, Australia. Photo: Narelle Spangher, AFL NSW/ACT

Earlier this week AFL NSW/ACT Development Staff accompanied players from the Sydney Swans to visit schools all over Sydney. Across the morning, the group of thirty-nine players visited a total of thirty-six schools, where they engaged more than 7,500 children in AFL activities.

Players and staff gave talks at school assemblies, ran clinics and skills sessions with students and signed autographs for their young fans across the region.

One group included Sydney Swans players Harry Cunningham, Heath Grundy and Gary Rohan who visited Stanmore Public School and Croydon Park Public School.

Rohan said the team all enjoyed the experience of getting out into the community.

“It was a great opportunity to break up pre-season training and get out into the community to visit kids at school.” Rohan said.

“As players, we always love the chance to visit the students and even pass on a couple of tips and tricks with the footy, as well as talk about the importance of teamwork, goal setting and healthy eating.”

Rohan also said he had noticed the growth of AFL across Sydney since his debut season in 2010.

“There are so many more kids interested in AFL in Sydney now as fans, players and umpires which is just so great to see.”

“We look forward to seeing them all again throughout the year and cheering on the team in the SCG grandstands.”

AFL NSW/ACT Participation Manager Tim Fava also highlighted the benefits of having athletes like Rohan, Grundy and Cunningham visit and meet local students.

“More and more teachers are relishing the opportunity to have well-respected, elite athletes come into their schools to discuss the greater issues currently affecting kids of all ages.” Fava said.

“Healthy habits, the importance of exercise, social media usage and leadership principles are all high on schools agendas; and this gives both the AFL and schools the opportunity to raise awareness of such issues while also having fun and inspiring an interest in AFL.”

 

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