Footy fans in the Riverina will reap the benefits of an upcoming training and community camp with GWS GIANTS AFL Club in Wagga Wagga.
Wagga Wagga City Council is pleased to welcome the GIANTS to the city for their Pre-Season High-Performance Camp from Monday 23 to Friday 27 November.
Local residents will have the chance to connect with elite AFL players and coaches through school visits, community clinics, open training sessions and coach development opportunities.
Council's Manager Wagga Leisure & Strategic Recreation Marc Geppert says the training camp is a win for the entire Wagga Wagga community.
"For local young people who love footy, it's a unique chance to sharpen their skills, have some fun, and meet their GIANTS heroes up close," Mr Geppert said.
"The camp is expected to deliver economic benefits for local businesses while further showcasing Wagga Wagga as a leading regional sporting destination capable of attracting elite teams, training camps and major events.
"Council encourages sporting clubs and individuals to get involved and take up this opportunity to learn from some of the best AFL players and coaches in the country."
Head of AFL NSW/ACT Andrew Varasdi said the Riverina is a community that 'lives and breathes' the game, contributing more than 5000 participants from 24 clubs.
"The Riverina is one of Australia's great footy heartlands and continues to produce outstanding players, coaches and administrators," Mr Varasdi said.
"Having GIANTS players and coaches spend time in local schools, clubs and on local grounds is a powerful way to celebrate that football culture and inspire the next generation."
GIANTS players who hail from the area include midfielders Harvey Thomas (Turvey Park) and Harry Rowston (Griffith), defender Harry Himmelberg (Mangoplah), and ruckman Nick Madden (Osborne) along with GIANTS AFLW players Alyce Parker (Holbrook) and Zarlie Goldsworthy (Thurgoona).
The training and community camp will see GIANTS players run drills as part of an AFL Riverina junior football camp. Players will also connect with thousands of students when they visit schools across Wagga Wagga and surrounds, before GIANTS' coaches share insights and expertise with local coaches at a coaching symposium.
The camp will then culminate in an Open Training Session, giving fans the opportunity to watch the GIANTS prepare for the 2027 Toyota AFL Premiership Season.
Community members wishing to take part in camp activities can register here.
