Over the past two days, the Brisbane Lions playing and coaching staff travelled over 600km for the 2019 AFL Community Camp.
In total, thirteen different regions were visited by players, ranging from Goondiwindi in the south to North Burnett in the north, where they delivered football clinics to local clubs and schools.
The two-day camp reached approximately 3000 kids across the Lions’ zone including 100 schools and 20 community football clubs.
RELATED: Brisbane Lions 2019 AFL Community Camp Gallery: Day 1
Mark Ensor, AFL Queensland State Manager- Participation and Diversity, said “AFL Community Camp is an important program that allows us to connect Queensland communities with our game.”
“AFL Queensland is committed to giving back to the community, especially those in regional areas.”
At least two Lions’ players visited each region alongside a member of the Lions’ coaching staff and representatives from AFL Queensland to deliver Auskick games and run football clinics to those in regional areas across the state.
Brisbane Lions defender Darcy Gardiner, who joined Noah Answerth and Lions’ AFLW player Sabrina Frederick-Traub at the Springfield base camp, said the light-hearted nature of the camp makes it worthwhile.
“We’ve just been running a few footy clinics and trying to spread the game,” he said.
“I think when you get out here, it’s the enjoyment that you get out of it. We obviously muck around and try and make the kids have fun.
“They get to get out of the classrooms for a bit which they love.”
This year’s community camp marks the seventeenth year of the AFL Community Camp program.
RELATED: Brisbane Lions 2019 AFL Community Camp Gallery: Day 2
Since its inception, over $820,000 has been raised for junior football, community clubs and local charities.
Giving back to the community is the essence of the AFL Community Camp project, and simply having fun with the kids is the best part according to Frederick-Traub.
“It’s exciting to come out here where they always have some fun,” she said.
“I always love Community Camp, coming out with the club in the community is the best feeling.”
