As part of the AFL Virtual Community Camp, our listed AFL senior squad took to the phones and zoom to connect with the Collingwood football community across Eastern Metro Melbourne and Barkly Region in Northern Territory.
Across the afternoon, each player was part of the initiative by collectively reaching out through over two hundred phone calls and delivering sessions with 13 schools to re-connect the football community after an interrupted 2020 Season across both regions with the positive impact felt by those who received the contact.
Wayne Green the Regional Development Manager Barkly, was grateful for the re-connection this camp was able to provide.
“It was great for our young people to receive some contact from Collingwood this year despite restrictions not allowing for an in-person visit”, Green said.
“Our local and regional schools were able to connect in and ask questions to their role models. This has a really positive impact on their schooling and connection with football”.
As part of the day three of our athletes; Chris Mayne, Josh Thomas and new recruit Reef McIness made a virtual visit to patients at the Monash’s Children’s Hospital Starlight Express Room joining a video live stream with the Starlight Captains. The three spoke about healthy eating, creating a secret magpie language and even choreographed a dance for the children to join in on with too.
Chris Mayne was pleased to be able to engage in a cause important to him.
“As a Starlight ambassador for almost 11 years now, I have thoroughly enjoyed the role and meeting the Starlight Captains throughout my journey,” Mayne said.
“I am very thankful to be a part of the Starlight Children’s Foundation and I’m absolutely stoked to contribute to the virtual visit as part of the AFL community camp today in the hope to brighten the day of these kids.”
The AFL Virtual Community was made possible with the assistance from AFL Victoria and AFL Northern Territory staff, the Captains at The Starlight Express Room at Monash Children’s Hospital, Radio Lollipop, Make-a-Wish Foundation, participating schools and Grassroot Football Clubs in both Victoria and the Northern Territory.
