Dogs promote activity and literacy

ATHLETES from the Western Bulldogs kicked up some excitement with Ballarat fans last Monday when they visited for their 2020 AFL Community Camp.

Receiving a Civic Reception at Town Hall, members of the team provided footy clinics to primary schools, met fans at the Bulldogs Shop and launched the Bulldogs Read program at the Ballarat Library.

Doggies, Sam Lloyd and Matt Suckling headed out to challenge the ball skills of Magpie Primary School students.

“We’re both from country towns, Deniliquin and Wagga. I always try to remember what it was like to be that age,” Lloyd said.

“I remember when an AFL player came to our primary school, it was exciting, so you’ve just got to try and give them as much as possible, and hopefully they enjoy it.”

Suckling said it’s valuable to give back to the Ballarat community that makes them feel at home during games at Mars Stadium.

“If we can make a good impression today, it’s going to help us get more support throughout the year, which we need,” he laughed.

“It’s an important part of our year, coming to areas that don’t get as much football exposure, because we know exactly what it’s like growing up and having the same experiences.

“If we can offer some good times and memories for the kids then it’s all worthwhile. Hopefully we can get as many kids wearing red, white and blue as possible to come and support us in the colder months.”

Eleven-year-old Eric is Magpie Primary’s sports captain and a proud Bulldogs supporter.

“It’s just amazing to be hosting this in my last year,” he said. “We’re a small school, we don’t even have 100 kids, but this is really good because these players encourage us to play more sports.”