Dockers and Eagles lock in community camp visitsFriday, December 9, 2016 - 10:05 AM

The AFL has announced the remaining dates and locations for the 2017 Australia Post AFL Community Camps, which see Fremantle Football Club and West Coast Eagles visit both metropolitan and regional communities.

The Dockers have already undertaken part one of their community camps with nine players visiting Broome recently, and the remainder of the club’s squad set to visit fans across Perth over March 14 and 16.

Players from the West Coast Eagles will reach out to communities in Geraldton, Port Hedland, Karratha and Newman as well as the Perth metro area late February.

With all 18 AFL Clubs participating, the Australia Post AFL Community Camps see over 750 players each spending two days meeting fans and developing stronger links between Australian Football and the community. 

AFL General Manager Game and Market Development, Simon Lethlean, said the Australia Post AFL Community Camps are an important vehicle in recognising that grassroots football and the community are the lifeblood of Australia’s Game.

“The Australia Post AFL Community Camps allow us to highlight the connection Australian Football has with communities right around the country,” Mr Lethlean said.

“Community Camps are the perfect platform for fans, no matter where they live across our wide country, access to their favourite players.

“Many of the clubs have also aligned their Australia Post AFL Community Camp locations to their Next Generation AFL Club Academies.

“The academies are designed to utilise the strength of clubs to grow and develop our game, and ensure it’s representative, inclusive and embraces gender and cultural diversity,” he said.

During the 2016 Australia Post AFL Community camps, over 147,102 school students had visits from AFL players with 823 schools being visited. 4,913 children participated in AFL super clinics, 2,600 people were visited in aged care/hospitals and funds were raised through official functions to assist local junior community football programs.

Andrea Pearman, General Manager of Marketing and Community Relations at Australia Post said football brings people together and in turn, helps to break down barriers and build healthier communities.

“A common love of footy can help break down barriers and build social connection. The Australia Post AFL Community Camps provide access to our national game for communities and individuals who may not have the opportunity to enjoy everything the AFL and its clubs have to offer.  The camps form part of Australia Post’s ongoing commitment to building healthier, more vibrant and inclusive communities”.

The Australia Post AFL Community Camps started in 2003 and so far have reached a total of 1,118,278 students across 5,873 school visits since the program’s inception.