THE official build-up to AFL Gather Round got underway on Tuesday when the AFL Gather Round Community Footy Roadshow kicks off at the Ceduna Blues Football Club.<\/p>\n
The AFL Premiership Cup, the AFLW Premiership Cup, the SANFL Thomas Seymour Hill Trophy and the SANFL Women\u2019s League Premiership Cup will be travelling to more than 30 regional towns in South Australia, covering more than 5000 kilometres along the way.<\/p>\n
The Roadshow will be in the Limestone Coast from April 1-3.<\/p>\n
This is the fourth year that the SANFL and AFL have worked together to bring the iconic premiership trophies to country areas to celebrate our great game.<\/p>\n
The three-week-long Community Footy Roadshow features family-friendly activities for local communities, including NAB AFL Auskick and NAB AFL Superkick clinics, Footy Forums and Come and Try days.<\/p>\n
More than 2000 Sherrin footballs will be handed out along the way.<\/p>\n
Following three days in Ceduna, the Community Footy Roadshow travels through Whyalla, Port Pirie, Crystal Brook, Virginia, Balaklava, Port Wakefield, the Riverland, Adelaide Hills, Murray Mallee region before winding up in this region, finishing in Mount Gambier on Good Friday.<\/p>\n
SANFL executive general manager football Matt Duldig (pictured) said this was the biggest instalment yet of the Footy Roadshow.<\/p>\n
\u201cGrassroots football is at the heart of our great game, and we are looking forward to the Community Footy Roadshow reaching more people than ever before and bringing a slice of Gather Round to country South Australia,\u201d Duldig said.<\/p>\n
\u201cAlong with showcasing the Premiership Cups, our team will hold AFL Auskick clinics and Footy Forums at schools and footy clubs along the way, which is a great opportunity to bring local communities together, and to connect with the heartbeat of our clubs \u2013 the coaches, umpires and volunteers.<\/p>\n
\u201cFootball participation in SA soared to a record high of 70,618 players last year, and SANFL is working hard to keep driving those numbers.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe know how important strong, sustainable footy clubs are to regional communities, and we hope the Community Roadshow provides unforgettable moments for South Aussies in the build-up to Gather Round.\u201d<\/p>\n