AFL Community Camp brings Suns to Ballina juniors season launch

BALLINA Bombers will hold its season launch for juniors players with an AFL Community Camp visit from the Gold Coast Suns.

It will be held at Fripp Oval, Ballina on Friday, February 13.

The Suns are no stranger to the area, having played a pre-season game against the Sydney Swans at Oakes Oval, Lismore in 2019.

Both clubs have made visits to the region in the years since, with players from the Swans to be part of the junior sign-on at Ballina.

The Bombers have already held pre-season training before Christmas and are hopeful of attracting new players to the club.

Ballina is the only NSW visit for the Suns with players travelling across Cairns, Gold Coast and Townsville.

AFL executive general manager of game development Rob Auld said players visit junior football clubs, schools, and hospitals to participate in clinics and community events.

“The AFL Community Camp program is something players and clubs look forward to each year, as an opportunity to give back to local communities and engage with fans and newcomers, young and old,” he said.

“Many of our game’s greatest players began their football journeys at small local clubs kept afloat by dedicated volunteers, and the purpose of these camps is for our elite AFL players to give back to those people and inspire the next generation.

“By visiting remote and regional areas, these camps provide children the chance to meet their heroes up close, or to be introduced to the game for the first time through clinics, school and hospital visits, which helps to ensure Australian football is accessible to everyone.”

The Gold Coast Suns run a multi-level coaching program for aspiring players aged between 13 and 19.

Northern Rivers is part of its catchment area, with the program a key stage in the pathway from junior sport through to a possible career as an AFL or AFLW player.

To register for a local club, visit playhq.com