Essendon Football Club will return to the Bendigo and Castlemaine regions on Wednesday 10 and Thursday 11 December for the 2025 Community Camp. 

The trip follows the men’s successful 2024 visit and the women’s team June visit, reflecting a strong and growing Bombers presence across regional Victoria. 

Across the two-day camp, players and staff will participate in an immersive First Nations cultural dance session with local representatives from DJAARA, an Auskick and Superkick Clinic, and school & kindergarten visits which are designed to encourage AFL participation whilst strengthening community connections. 

The activities and sessions over the two days are all designed to encourage participation in grassroots football, promote active lifestyles and further enhance engagement with young fans and families. 

The Don's first major activity will be the Auskick and Superkick Clinic at the Tom Flood Sports Centre, Park Road, Bendigo, on Wednesday 10 December. While the clinic has reached capacity, all fans are invited to come along for photos and autographs with the Essendon players from 5:00pm onwards at the Tom Flood Sports Centre. 

To further enhance the community connection and football development, local and state league coaches will have the opportunity to attend a dedicated coaching development session led by senior Essendon coaching staff on Wednesday evening. The coaching session will be offering insights into coaching strategies and training structures, all with the aim of helping to support, grow and develop the knowledge of regional coaches. 

On Thursday 11 December, the players will then visit more than 25 local schools and kindergartens in the region, where kids and students will have the opportunity to take part in Q&A sessions and football related activities. 

Essendon senior player and Bendigo local Jye Caldwell said he is excited to return home and connect with the community.

“It’s always exciting and really special going back to my hometown for the Community Camp,” Caldwell said.  

"We’ve been returning for a few years now, and it’s always great to see my family and all the Bendigo supporters who get behind Essendon. 

“Country footy and the local community were everything to me growing up. Going back for these community camps really shows how strong the support is, and it means a lot. 

“We’re looking forward to meeting plenty of fans across the two days. I can’t wait to get stuck into the clinics and school visits - it is always heaps of fun.”