‘Lions in YOUR Club’ is back after a three-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and on Tuesday the annual event returned to a wide range of clubs across Queensland.
Developed in 2011, the program is designed to help create a greater footprint on the junior football community in Queensland and encourage participation growth in the sport.
The ‘Lions in YOUR Club’ initiative has since provided local junior clubs with regular player appearances, fundraising assistance, ticketing offers, exclusive match-day experiences and a range of other great benefits.
On Tuesday more than 40 players from both the Brisbane Lions AFL and AFLW programs took to 16 different clubs to conduct clinics and give back to community football.
Lions defender Ryan Lester travelled to Mt Gravatt Vultures and knows how much these community visits mean to local football clubs.
“It’s been good being back in the community and being back in the local clubs,” Lester said.
“I always remember as a kid when you get a couple of AFL players come to your club there’s a real buzz and hopefully these kids have experienced that tonight.
“We love getting down to local clubs and giving back and I’m sure the kids enjoy having us here too.”
The players travelled as far north as the Bribe Island Bulldogs and as far south as Springwood Pumas, to Victoria Point Sharks in the east and the Brisbane Valley Rattlers in the west.
Brisbane Lions Community Manager, James Dowling believes it is important to get back to local football clubs.
“Grassroots football is what inspires our next generation of talent and being able to have young kids meet their heroes is awesome,” Dowling said.
“The Lions in YOUR Club has always been a popular event and it is a fantastic for all involved to have them back after two years interrupted by COVID.
“I know we had some really excited clubs involved this year and it is great to be able to get down to local training sessions and help out.”
Throughout the year players will conduct further visits to football clubs and community groups across Brisbane, Sunshine Coast, Wide Bay and Darling Downs regions.
Events will also be hosted in Melbourne for our Victorian fans.
Lions in YOUR Club returns on the heels of the very successful community camps held during the pre-season.
The Lions travelled hundreds of kilometres to connect with their members and fans.
The two-day camp ran from February 6-7 saw the players visit more than 60 schools, junior football clubs and community organisations engaging with thousands.
