The Sydney Swans have spread far and wide across NSW communities over the past two days, greeting schools, visiting clubs and hosting independent footy clinics for young boys and girls.
The 2019 AFL Community Camps saw the entire Swans list visit Sydney, the Hunter, the Central Coast, the Mid North Coast, the Illawarra, Grafton, Moree, Tamworth and Woolgoola on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Kids always relish an opportunity to have a kick-to-kick with Lance Franklin, get a photo with Kieren Jack and have Luke Parker sign their favourite Swans merchandise – and the Community Camps this week gave youngsters a chance to do just that.
Star Sydney midfielder Isaac Heeney showing some encouragement.
As announced at a clinic at Henson Park in Marrickville on Tuesday, this year's AFL National Inclusion Carnival will be held in NSW for the first time.
The annual event, this year scheduled for July 15-20, sees young male footballers with intellectual disabilities from across Australia take part in a round-robin competition.
Swans recruit Daniel Menzel teaching a young boy at the launch of the AFL National Inclusion Carnival how to perfect his kick.
Tuesday also saw the Swans run a women’s Australian rules football come-and-try session in Moree, while players put smiles on the faces of children at Wollongong Hospital on Wednesday.
Star Sydney midfielder Isaac Heeney says the Swans always enjoy connecting with the community.
“When the Community Camps roll around early in the year, and whenever the boys have a chance to step into the community, we always really love being able to give back,” Heeney told Swans Media.
“Our members and fans give us so much support through the highs and the lows, and these kids we come out to have a kick with are full of so much energy and passion.”