Goulburn Valley kids will have the opportunity to get up close and personal with AFL stars when the 2024 Community Camps roll into town in two weeks.
Essendon will enter Shepparton for a two-day camp on Monday, February 4 and Tuesday, February 5, as AFL clubs embark on their series of regional stops during pre-season.
In continuing a northern Victorian trend, the Bombers make the trip after visiting Bendigo for their 2023 excursion.
The red and black brigade is yet to confirm precise visit locations for its players.
To this point, though, it has advertised an open training session to likely take place at Deakin Reserve, with community and school clinics on the agenda as well.
However, local coaches have their own unique glimpse into the upper echelon, with Dons boss Brad Scott entertaining an open forum on the evening of Monday, February 5.
The 90-minute seminar, hosted at 7pm by Rumbalara Football Netball Club, is open for coaches to better understand the inner workings of a high-performance environment.
The event is available not only to existing club coaches, but also to school and Auskick instructors.
In a statement first announcing the camps’ return for 2024, AFL executive general manager of game development Rob Auld highlighted the grassroots elements that lend themselves to giving young fans a local window of access to top teams.
“Regional towns and local clubs form part of the fabric of our game and it’s essential that our elite AFL players and coaches connect with these communities,” Auld said.
“While a big part of these camps is to engage with traditional fans and inspire the next generation, it’s also an opportunity to ensure Australian football is accessible to everyone in our community.”
Additionally, Melbourne Football Club will stop into the Seymour area the following week for the second straight year for similar activities, visiting on Monday, February 12 and Tuesday, February 13.
The other 2023 AFL Community Camps saw Richmond make the trip to Shepparton while North Melbourne ventured out to Rochester.