Essendon Football Club will make its way up the Calder Highway to visit Sunbury, Riddell and the Macedon Ranges early next year as part of the Australia Post AFL Community Camps.

The camp will see the Essendon playing list step out and spend quality time in one of the club’s traditional supporter heartlands.

The two-day visit will include spending time engaging with residents, holding a football Superclinic, meet and greet sessions, a formal evening reception and local primary school and community centre visits.

General Manager Football Operations Rob Kerr said the players were looking forward to hosting clinics in the club’s own backyard.

“The North West corridor of Melbourne has long been known as Essendon heartland, and as a club we’re really excited to be able spend some time with our loyal supporters in that region,” Kerr said.

“The players understand the importance of giving back to the wider community and these camps are a fantastic opportunity for the club to be able to do just that.”

Head of Community Cameron Britt said the Australia Post AFL Community Camp is an important fixture on the club’s football calendar.

“As a club, we continually strive to be a significant and positive contributor to our community,” Britt said.

“We understand and embrace our broader social role and influence, including regional communities such as Sunbury, Riddell and Macedon Ranges, and we’re all really looking forward to ‘heading up the highway’ early next year.

“The Australia Post AFL Community Camps provide clubs with a fantastic opportunity to directly engage with members and supporters from across the country and pay back the terrific loyalty of our many regional and rural supporters.”

The Club will visit the Sunbury, Riddell and Macedon Ranges regions from February 9-10 in 2015. Further information regarding activities and appearances will follow in the New Year.