The Sydney Swans hit the road on Tuesday evening to visit junior footballers gearing up for the new AFL season.
Swans players visited 24 clubs across Sydney, where they ran training drills, signed autographs and answered questions from their budding fans.
The evening was a great success with many junior clubs using the visit to present their players with their 2014 guernseys for the year ahead.
The visit formed part of the Swans Friendly Club program, which aims to build strong relationships with local football clubs in the Swans’ NSW talent zone.
Clubs who register to be part of the program receive exclusive opportunities including player appearances, discounted match tickets, fundraising, invitations to club events.
President of Westbrook Junior Football Club, Paul Vink, said his players were delighted to see Brandon Jack and Xavier Richards at Mike Kenny Oval last night.
“Brandon and Xavier were terrific ambassadors,” Vink said.
“They got involved with the kids skills, allowed plenty of time to answer questions, and were very accommodating.
“I have only heard positive things from our Westbrook club members.”
Swans midfielder Dan Hannebery, who visited the Drummoyne Power on Wednesday night, said the players thoroughly enjoyed visiting local football clubs.
“Sammy Naismith and I headed out to Drummoyne and had a really great time meeting the youngsters,” Hannebery said.
“With the start of the new footy season now upon us, it was great to see over 150 kids plus their parents come along for a kick of the footy.”
The visit also provided a perfect opportunity for the players to talk to the junior players about the Swans Red Rookie program and Sydney Swans Fan Day, presented by Volkswagen, which is being held this Sunday at the Entertainment Quarter, Moore Park.
Sam Naismith at the Drummoyne Power Junior Football Club
Ted Richards provides some tips to the Manly Bombers
Lloyd Perris chats to the juniors at the Cronulla Sharks
Lance Franklin and Harry Cunningham at the Glebe Greyhounds
Nick Smith at the Maroubra Saints
Participating Swans Friendly Clubs:
Concord Giants
Drummoyne Power
Easts Bulldogs
Glebe Greyhounds
Maroubra Saints
Moore Park Tigers
Newtown Swans
Wests Magpies
Forest Lions
Hornsby-Berowra Eagles
Manly Bombers
Mosman Swans
North Ryde Dockers
Pennant Hills Demons
Pittwater Tigers
St. Ives Saints
Westbrook Bulldogs
Willoughby Wildcats/Lane Cove Blues
Bangor Tigers
Cronulla Sharks
Heathcote Hawks
Miranda Bombers
Penshurst Panthers
Ramsgate Rams
For more information about Swans Friendly Clubs please click HERE
