Kangaroos AFL team to train in Ballina
The Kangaroos will spend two days in Ballina in February as part the 2008 Telstra AFL Community Camps.
The AFL this week announced the locations for the 2008 Telstra AFL Community Camps to be conducted over the summer months between December and February. All 16 AFL Clubs will conduct training sessions, visit schools, conduct NAB AFL Auskick clinics and community football forums for local coaches and administrators.
The Kangaroos visit to Ballina will include a free barbeque and junior sign-up event on Monday, 4 February, a free Community Football Forum for coaches and players that evening, followed by a super-clinic for schools in both the Ballina and Byron Bay regions on Tuesday, before the players travel to the Gold Coast for the rest of their camp.
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. Clubs have the chance to have a positive impact on every part of a community, which is a fantastic prospect,” Mr Matthews said.
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 fifth 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 over $264,000 for junior football/community.
