The Brisbane Lions hit the road for their Annual Australia Post AFL Community Camp, with a series of visits to schools and facilities across South East Queensland. Brisbane Lions Community Programs Coordinator, Lachie Harris, said the AFL Community Camps help to improve the accessibility of the Brisbane Lions all over the state and provide a chance for to get up close and personal with their favourite football stars.
The Lions visited a number of regional locations across the South East Queensland region including the Sunshine Coast, Darling Downs, Bundaberg, Hervey Bay and Maryborough.
“We have a strong multicultural base in Toowoomba through the Humeridge Church with Ross Savill,” said Harris.
“They have a Homework Help Program for refugees and new arrivals to Australia who come to the Church in the afternoon and get some help with their homework from older students and tutors.
“We had Reuben William and Archie Smith go there to help them out. It’s part of our community strategy.”
Smiles all round at the Nambour Hospital this morning #AFLcommunitycamp pic.twitter.com/4AOk86HUKB
— Brisbane Lions (@brisbanelions) February 22, 2017
“One of the best things about community camp was the number of girls participating as well – really highlighting the AFLW. Shannon Campbell was up on the Sunshine Coast and Sabrina Frederick-Traub and Delissa Kimmince visited Warwick,” said Harris.
Since the AFL Australia Post Community Camp initiative began in 2003, the Lions have visited regional fans from across the state. Brisbane Lions defender Harris Andrews said he had fond memories of meeting his football idols during one camp.
“I remember as a junior growing up in Aspley and seeing Michael Voss coming over to the footy grounds,” Andrews told News-Mail.
“You sort of remember those days forever.
“Giving these kids an insight into what it's like to be a footballer can hopefully give them some motivation for them to go on and play footy.”