Sydney Swans players have taken time out from training to help young primary school students learn to read as part of the Teams Swans program.

Around 10 Sydney Swans players visited Kindergarten, Year 1 and Year 2 classes at Oakhill Drive Primary School in Castle Hill.

The players, including Kieren Jack, Mike Pyke and Paul Bevan, sat with the students and helped them with reading activities, including word bingo and reading aloud in small groups. Jack said it was good to spend time with the young students.

“They’re all just beginning to learn to read and I think we all remember that stage in our life when we were starting off. So it’s good to be part of it, put a smile on their face and have a good morning with them,” Jack said.

Jack admitted standing in front of a room full of students could be daunting.

“I’ve been doing this for a couple of years but it can still get a little bit nerve racking getting up there. The kids are really well behaved and I think they just love having a Swans player out talking to them. As long as they’re happy it makes it a lot easier,’’ he said.

“It’s not every day they get to see a professional sportsperson that they might watch on telly. I think the fact they can see us and see we’re not superhuman, we’re just like everyone else. Hopefully we can provide a few stories for them and maybe a pathway that they can achieve what they want in life - no matter what it is.”

Jack credits the Team Swans program with helping him develop as an AFL player, despite an upbringing in a rugby league-mad family.

“I still remember having Swans players come out to my school in Year 5 and Year 6 and for me that was a major factor in why I began to play AFL. I think it’s really important and it’s great to see some smiles on young kids’ faces.”

Oakhill Drive Assistant Principal and Kindergarten teacher Kathryn Kohler was one of many teachers who decorated their classroom with Swans scarves, posters, guernseys and red and white streamers in honour of the visit.

Ms Kohler said the students were very excited for the Team Swans visit.

“They get lots of things out of it. The fact that they’ve got someone they follow in the classroom is great for them,” she said.

The loyal Swans supporter taught her class about the team in preparation for the visit.

“Every Monday, because I follow the Swans, we talk about the Swans and whether they’ve won and how they went on the weekend.”

6 year old Kindergarten student Ethan Glanville said he had fun reading with Swans player Gary Rohan and liked having the Swans at his school.

“I read my book with them,” he said.


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