The Vodafone Brisbane Lions will tour Townsville from Wednesday 6 to Saturday 9 February for its 2008 Telstra AFL Community Camp.
It will be the second time in three years that the Club has ventured to North Queensland following a successful visit to the Mackay region at the beginning of 2006.
This AFL community initiative will provide an exciting opportunity for Townsville’s football fans to meet and greet the Lions team in person prior to their 2008 AFL Premiership campaign.
Lions players and coaches will perform training sessions, visit over 50 schools, attend civic functions and conduct community football forums over a busy three-day period.
Lions CEO Mr Michael Bowers said the entire squad was looking forward to the annual event.
“The players were all up in Mackay in 2006 and had a great time mixing with the locals at the AFL footy clinics and even over a game of beach cricket,” Mr Bowers said.
“So I know that they’re looking forward to the same great hospitality from our other northern neighbours this time around.
“The boys are deep into their pre-season training and it’s extremely rigorous stuff, so it’s great for them to have the chance to broaden their regular routines and have a fresh training environment up in beautiful Townsville.
“I’m sure there was some pretty hard contesting for the Magnetic Island tour group amongst the players.”
AFL’s General Manager of National and International Development Mr David Matthews said the camps traditionally kick off the AFL season.
“The Telstra AFL Community Camps give communities a genuine opportunity to see AFL coaches and players at the highest level preparing for the season ahead,” Mr Matthews said.
The Townsville community will be able to see the Vodafone Brisbane Lions at the following Camp public events.
WEDNESDAY 6 FEBRUARY 2008
Community Football Forum
Where: Tony Ireland Riverway Stadium
Address: Riverway Complex, Thuringowa
Time: 7:30pm – 9:00pm
Free event with no bookings required.
Hear from some of the high profile Lions players and coaches about a variety of football related topics and issues including a public question and answer session.
THURSDAY 7 FEBRUARY 2008
Lions Training & Signing Session*
Where: Tony Ireland Riverway Stadium
Address: Riverway Complex, Thuringowa
Time: 4:00pm – 6:00pm
Public open training session involving all Lions players and coaches. Training will be followed by a free autograph and photo session with the Lions.
FRIDAY 8 FEBRUARY 2008
Brisbane Lions Community Camp Dinner
Where: Rydges Southbank Hotel
Address: 23 Palmer Street, Townsville
Time: 7:30pm – 10:00pm
Local AFL Townsville community fundraising event with all Lions players and coaches in attendance. To reserve your seat please call Joy Bentzen on 0428 515 514 or Carla Hardy on 3394 2433.
* Please Note: The Lions training session that was initially planned for Friday afternoon has been moved to Thursday.
