THERE'S no rest in the bye week for the Port Adelaide Football Club, with the players using their day off to visit the regional and outer-suburban communities.

Working in duos and trios, the boys headed off in all directions from Alberton bound for schools and junior football clubs.

Between them they reached almost 10,000 students in almost 40 schools as far away as Yalata on the Far West Coast to Yorke Peninsula, the Barossa Valley, Fleurieu Peninsula and the Adelaide Hills.

They addressed assemblies and classes, telling the kids about the need for good nutrition and physical activity, and chatting with them about making positive life choices.

They also discussed their personal journeys from children to AFL footballers, urging their audiences to follow their dreams but above all else always enjoy their sport.

Port Adelaide forward Jay Schulz and young ruckman Jarrad Redden returned close to their home area on Yorke Peninsula, accompanied by 2010 draftee Ben Newton.

“It’s really great. We come out and speak about healthy eating and encourage them to live an active lifestyle,” Jay said.

“It’s really important. The players know it’s important. We remember what it was like as kids when we saw our heroes come and see us, so it’s a really good day.”

Other communities visited included Ceduna, Evanston, Gawler, Goolwa, Kapunda, Meadows, Mount Barker, Two Wells, Port Noarlunga, Wallaroo, Whyalla and Williamstown.

Daniel Motlop, Danyle Pearce, Justin Westhoff and Jacob Surjan clocked up the most miles, heading to the Far West Coast.

Daniel and Danyle ventured the furthest, making it to the Yalata community, accompanied by Power Aboriginal Programs facilitator Paul Vandenburgh.

“Yalata is 200km from Ceduna, so the kids only get to see these guys on TV,” Paul commented.

“For them to be in their community and classes, you could really see the buzz and the excitement on their faces.”

“They listened to everything Daniel and Danyle said.  We even tested them to make sure they’d been listening and they took in every word.”

“The kids got to ask questions and they were so excited to get the opportunity to spend some time with the players and have a kick and a catch with them on the footy field.”

The players were joined at several locations by Port Adelaide staff members and Power Community Youth Program ambassadors including Russell Ebert, world champion cyclist Anna Meares and Young Matildas soccer players Ruth Wallace and Rachael Quigley.

The regional day was part of the Power Community Youth Program supported by State Government and BHP Billiton.