The Australian Football League has revealed its latest plans to help develop the grassroots of the sport with the launch of the 2008 Telstra AFL Community Camps. To be conducted by AFL clubs from December to February, the camps will involve training sessions, school, nursing home and hospital visits, NAB AFL Auskick clinics and community football forums for local coaches and administrators.
AUSTRALIAN football fans in each state and territory will be able to meet their heroes during the 2008 Telstra AFL Community Camps.
The AFL announced on Tuesday the locations for the 2008 Telstra AFL Community Camps to be conducted by clubs from December to February.
Clubs will conduct training sessions, visit schools, nursing homes and hospitals, organise NAB AFL Auskick clinics and community football forums for local coaches and administrators.
For the first time AFL clubs will also travel to South Africa to not only train at world-class facilities, but to see first hand the progress Australian football is making in communities new to the game.
There are now 7800 players and more than 115 primary school teams in South Africa.
The West Coast Eagles, Carlton, Fremantle, and Collingwood will conduct week-long camps in South Africa over a three month period. Carlton and Fremantle will play an exhibition match at SuperSport Park in Pretoria on February 2.
Adelaide will visit the Barossa Valley in May and West Coast and Fremantle will conduct local camps while also travelling to South Africa.
AFL general manager national and international development David Matthews said the camps traditionally kick off the AFL season.
“The Telstra AFL Community Camps give communities the opportunity to see AFL coaches and players at the highest level preparing for the season ahead,” He said.
“We are pleased to have the opportunity to extend the Community Camp program to South Africa where the game is making a difference on and off the field. Seeing elite players up close will certainly inspire the young South African players.”
Telstra country wide area general manager Michael Sharpe said Telstra is delighted to support the 2008 Telstra AFL Community Camps as a means of engaging with local communities.
“This program ensures that fans and footy enthusiasts alike are able to meet their favourite players and watch them prepare for the season ahead.
“Our sponsorship is teaching the next generation of fans and players the skills of the game while encouraging them to adopt a healthy lifestyle and appreciate teamwork,” he said.
The program is now in its sixth year and continues to grow.
Since the first camps in 2003:
1882 primary and secondary schools have been visited 421,668 students reached during school visits 40,103 children attended AFL Auskick Superclinics 15,357 people visited in hospitals and aged care facilities 13,770 people attended official functions in all areas 15,202 people attended community football forums Official club functions raised more than $264,000 for junior football/community 2008 Telstra AFL Community Camp locations
Adelaide Barossa Valley, SA from May 5-6
Brisbane Lions Townsville, Queensland from Feb 6-9
Carlton South Africa from Jan 21-Feb 3
Collingwood South Africa from Jan 20-Feb 6
Essendon East Gippsland from Feb 4- 6
Fremantle Albany, WA from Jan 30-31 and South Africa from Jan 27 - 4 Feb
Geelong Gold Coast from Feb 6-9
Hawthorn Tasmania from Feb 4-8
Kangaroos Northern Rivers/Gold Coast from Feb 4-7
Melbourne Canberra from Feb 4-8
Port Adelaide Whyalla from Feb 5-7
Richmond Echuca from Feb 5- 7
St Kilda Ballarat from Feb 4-6
Sydney Swans Greater Sydney Dec / Feb
West Coast Eagles South Africa from Dec 8-15 and Narrogin, WA from Feb 5-6
Western Bulldogs Darwin, NT from Feb 12-15*
The Sydney Swans will conduct day sessions throughout Sydney during December and February. The Swans had a community camp in Coffs Harbour in November.
* The Western Bulldogs’ camp concludes Friday, February 15, with their opening NAB Cup match at TIO Stadium in Darwin.
(c) Copyright Sponsorship News 2007
