In partnership with Melbourne Airport, children from both football leagues were involved in training sessions and program briefings about important aspects both on and off the field – including leadership, schooling, courage, respect, nutrition, goal setting and fitness.

The Talent Pathway Program also highlighted player pathways through recruitment to the AFL with the children being treated to a first-hand inner sanctum experience of a football club. 

The camp involved theory sessions and basic football skills session, as well as development programs with trainer Shane McCarthy discussing the importance of nutrition, weights training, fitness training and flexibility in addition to an in-depth video analysis session led by Bombers assistant coach Sean Wellman.??

Furthermore, Essendon listed players Michael Hurley, Ricky Dyson and Scott Gumbleton guided the active children through an extended skills session on the hallowed turf of the Windy Hill oval. The session, consisting of defensive drills, midfield drills and forward line drills, allowed the children to gain a wider understanding of the different positions on ground and the elevated level of precise skill demanded by a player.??

Highlighting the energetic spirit of the children hosted at Windy Hill, the day two match between the EDFL and RDFL competitions gained a huge response from the children involved – with sportsmanship being a key component of the game.??

Essendon Football Club would like to thank Melbourne Airport for their ongoing support of the partnership between the Essendon and Riddell District Leagues.

Click here for more information about Essendon’s community partners.