The Sydney Swans’ official supporter groups got together late last month for an annual workshop to talk all things red and white.

Representatives from the supporter groups in Western Australia, South Australia, Gold Coast, ACT, Wagga Wagga, Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula, as well as Ladies of the Lake and L@SS were in attendance.

The workshop centred on how the supporter groups and club can work closely in bringing more Swans supporters together.

After attending a pre-season training session in the morning, the workshop headed to the Swans Board Room where the representatives gave reports on the 2012 season and discussed new ideas and initiatives for the upcoming season.

Swans defender Nick Smith even popped in during the day to say thanks to the groups in their efforts and ongoing support of the club.

For Marg Hoey, who helped establish the Wagga Wagga supporter group in 1997, the workshop was a really great opportunity to meet the other groups and bounce around a few ideas.

“It was excellent, it’s wonderful to bring all of our supporter groups face-to-face. I think it’s important to meet and have that interaction with the other supporter groups,” Hoey said.

“This year we came away from the workshop with an idea to go on a New Zealand trip [to see the Swans play St Kilda on ANZAC Day].

“That to me is just an excellent opportunity for all of the supporters – not only the Sydney and Melbourne supporters but the interstate ones as well – to actually attend a supporter function in New Zealand.”

The supporter groups congregate every Swans match and either watch the game live at a local establishment, or sometimes they even hire a bus and make a road trip out of it.

Throughout the season the supporter groups also set up fundraisers and run functions as they raise awareness of the Sydney Swans.

Hoey said the annual workshop is a great way for the supporter groups to feel welcome and part of the club.

“By meeting the other supporter groups we can communicate and plan away trips so it gives us connection throughout Australia,” she said.

“We’re all volunteers, we pay our own way to the games, but coming away from our supporter group meeting, we all feel the same that we’re actually part of the Swans family. To me, that’s the overall reward that we get for doing what we’re doing.

“We’re part of the family, we want to do it and we’re part of the culture of the Sydney Swans and we’re all very proud.”

Sydney Swans Business Services Manager Sarah Anning said the supporter groups are integral to the success of the club – both on the field and off it.  

“With Swans supporters spread far and wide across Australia, the supporter groups provide a real focal point for fans to get together to watch the team live at their closest stadium or at a local venue,” Anning said.

“It’s a great initiative for like-minded Swans supporters to get together to celebrate their passion for the club.

“It’s also integral that people find out about their closest supporter group so they don’t miss out on all the fun and camaraderie that is associated with these groups.

“To meet once a year and get everyone together is a great way for the club to say thanks for the amazing effort our supporter groups go to as they spread and share the passion for the Swans.”

To find and contact the local supporter group in your state and to find out where they meet in a city near you, please click here .