Thousands of junior players to take part in Gather Round Footy Clinics

April 10, 2023

More than 3,000 budding young footy players will have the chance to learn skills from AFL and SANFL stars in a series of FREE clinics as part of the inaugural Gather Round this week.

In what will be the biggest roll out of footy clinics ever undertaken in SA, participants between the ages of five and 14 can register to participate in the clinics to be held at every SANFL Club and several other AFL Club training locations from Wednesday April 12 – Monday April 17.

Clinics will include skills and training drills, mini-games, meet and greet sessions with AFL players and player autograph signings.

SANFL Executive General Manager – Football Matt Duldig said the clinics offered young players a unique opportunity to be a part of the historic AFL Gather Round while learning some valuable skills from their favourite AFL stars.

“We are absolutely thrilled to be able to give boys and girls from across the State such an awesome opportunity to learn and play with some of their favourite players from the AFL and Hostplus SANFL League,” Duldig said.

“We’ve been overwhelmed by the response, with a number of clinics selling out within only a few days of registrations opening – there is a real air of excitement building among the football community and we can’t wait for Gather Round to arrive.”

AFL Executive General Manager Game Development Rob Auld said the initiative highlighted the AFL’s commitment to supporting grassroots football communities.

“Community football clubs are the heartbeat of our great game, so we’re thrilled to work with the SANFL and AFL clubs to create these FREE footy clinics during AFL Gather Round and provide an opportunity for boys and girls to rub shoulders with their AFL idols,” Mr Auld said.

“We want football to have a presence in every home across Australia, and this is one way that we hope fans can develop a love of our game, that continues to flourish beyond Gather Round for many years to come.”

The Gather Round Clinics will be held in conjunction with the AFL Club Captains Runs at SANFL grounds. For further information on these sessions visit the AFL website at https://www.afl.com.au/gather-round/player-appearances

To register for clinics not already at capacity, visit the SANFL website at https://sanfl.com.au/gather-round/clinics/