The LeasePlan Western Bulldogs made a flying visit to the nation’s capital yesterday to help promote the Club and Australian Rules football in local primary schools.
Matthew Boyd, Lindsay Gilbee, Josh Hill and Farren Ray visited 10 schools across Canberra, speaking about their AFL experience and how they got involved in the game as juniors.
“It’s important that children getting involved in football, or any sport for that matter, enjoy it,” Boyd said.
“I grew up as a kid and enjoyed playing sport. Now I’m lucky enough to be a professional athlete and I still enjoy playing football as a job.”
The players also spoke about the importance of nutrition and how the right food and drink is not only vital when playing sport, but also when learning as students in the classroom.
Students were also given the opportunity to get autographs and ask questions about what it’s like to be an AFL star.
With the Bulldogs due to play a designated home game in Canberra on 3rd August, the trip also provided the perfect opportunity to recruit new fans for the match against Sydney.
And if the response at Gordon Primary School is any indication, we can expect a strong Red, White and Blue contingent at Manuka Oval in Round 18. Boyd and Hill were greeted by students at the school to a rousing rendition of the Club’s theme song, Sons of the West.
“It was a bit of a surprise coming in and about 120 children singing the song to us,” Hill said.
“They had a little bit of help from their teachers with the words on the wall, but they did a good job. Hopefully they can come and cheer us on later in the year.”
The day was run in conjunction with the AFL (NSW/ACT), with player visits to schools aimed at developing junior interest amongst clubs for the nationwide Auskick program in Canberra.
AFL Development Officer, ACT and Regions, Cameron James, said the school visits was another important step in game development in the area.
“Rugby and soccer are popular here and the AFL is working hard to promote the game to children at local clubs and schools,” he said.
“Having Western Bulldogs players coming up and talking to the children about their own experiences will continue to raise awareness of the game and hopefully generate greater participation levels.”
The trip concluded at Ainslie Football Club, where 50 junior players were given the opportunity to learn the skills of the game from their favourite Doggies players.
The Bulldogs are planning more trips to Canberra to promote football and the Club before its match against Sydney later in the year.
