The South Coast saw an influx of giants last Monday and Tuesday with Tom Downie and Patrick McKenna from the Greater Western Sydney Giants Football Club visiting clubs, local businesses and schools within the region as part of the Australian Post Community Camp.
Along with the South Coast development staff Downie and McKenna started their tour in Ulladulla and Milton visiting local primary and secondary schools within the area. The two were grilled by local students asking some fantastic questions about their experiences with the GWS Giants and growing up playing football and sport in country Victoria.
With Downie and McKenna having previously played at an international level for under 17’s Basketball and under 19’s cricket respectively, development officer Jarrod Moore acknowledged the importance of sport for all children. “Tom (Downie) and Pat (McKenna) show that it’s important to play a number of sports at a young age so that kids can improve their social skills, playing skills and live a healthy lifestyle whilst enjoying sports. Whilst playing at a young age you never know where it can lead’.
Tuesday’s sessions saw Downie and McKenna visit the primary and high schools in Narooma, Bodalla and Bermagui with the sessions taking on a practical component with students participating in drills and games implemented by the two players. The sessions were a huge success with kids having fun, showing their skills to the two players and providing a boost for AFL in the area.
Moore noted ‘These types of visits allow kids in the area to meet and interact with their local heroes whilst giving AFL a boost in the area. The more opportunities we have to put on events such as the past two days will see our code go from strength to strength. Tom (Downie) and Pat (McKenna) have been fantastic over the past couple of days interacting with the children and showing the true strengths of AFL’.
With clubs gearing up for a big 2015 players can find their local club at www.aflcommunityclub.com.au.
Last Modified on 24/04/2015 19:00