Geelong Cats taking word to GWS with Feb 2010 visit

(Original story reproduced from Geelong website, by Richie Pace)

Geelong will spread the football word in greater west Sydney at its 2010 community camp. After completing the 2009 in and around the Cats home of Geelong, the AFL asked the club to take the word to a new football frontier.

Now a tradition in the weeks leading into the NAB Cup, the Cats will conduct training sessions, visit schools, nursing homes and hospitals and conduct NAB AFL Auskick clinics in the home of the AFL’s 18th club.

“Given we weren’t able to stay in Geelong like we did last year, West Sydney is a great option,” Geelong’s general manager of media & public relations Kevin Diggerson said.

“The AFL is looking to spread the game to new markets, and as the premiers we are thrilled to be able to take up that challenge next year. Who knows, maybe we can be a catalyst for some kids to take up the game more regularly and in 15 years they are AFL players.”

The camps are sponsored by Telstra, and Telstra executive director of brands and marketing communications group Amanda Johnston-Pell was thrilled to announce her company's continuing support of the camps.

"Telstra is pleased to be able to provide these opportunities for young, up and coming players to get first-hand advice and benefit from the experience and skills of their sporting heroes," Johnston-Pell said.

"We see the tremendous boost these camps give to regional communities, and the positive motivating effect they have on young people's interest in their sport."

Geelong will be in greater west Sydney 10-12 February, and with Skilled Stadium unavailable due to ground resurfacing, the Cats may play their intra-club practice match during the camp.