The AFL announced the locations for the camps on Friday where clubs will conduct training sessions, visit schools, nursing homes and hospitals, conduct NAB AFL Auskick clinics and community football forums for local coaches and administrators.
While some clubs are sticking to towns close to home, others such as Fremantle and St Kilda will make longer treks to Broome and the Gold Coast respectively to spread the message of the Australia’s indigenous game.
AFL general manager of national and international development David Matthews said the camps gave footy fans a chance to see their heroes up close.
“The Telstra AFL Community Camps is not only the chance to see AFL players at the highest level on the training track, but also gives community club administrators and coaches the opportunity to learn from the game’s elite,” Matthews said.
Telstra executive director of marketing Amanda Johnston-Pell said the camps highlighted Telstra’s support for football from the grassroots to elite level.
“Telstra shows its support for local communities through programs like the Telstra AFL Community Camps, as well as through the Telstra Assistance Fund, which provides vital equipment to AFL clubs across the country.”
2009 Telstra AFL Community Camp locations
| Club | Location | Dates |
| Adelaide | Yorke Peninsula | June 15-16 |
| Brisbane Lions | Brisbane | Feb 10, 11, 17, 20 |
| Carlton | Seymour | Feb 10 |
| Collingwood | Mornington Peninsula | Feb 10-11 |
| Essendon* | Victoria Country Visits | Jan 30 |
| Fremantle | Broome/Kimberley Region | Feb 4-6 |
| Geelong | Geelong & Surf Coast | Feb 2-4 |
| Hawthorn | Tasmania | Feb 3-5 |
| Melbourne | Casey | Feb 6, 9, 11, 13 |
| North Melbourne | Ballarat | Feb 2-3 |
| Port Adelaide | Southern Vales Gawler Regional Visits | Feb 4 Mar 19 June 16 |
| Richmond | Craigieburn | Feb 3-5 |
| St Kilda** | Gold Coast | Feb 11-15 |
| Sydney*** | Terrigal | Dec 1-3 |
| West Coast Eagles | Port Headland/Pilbara Region | Feb 4-6 |
| Western Bulldogs | Inverloch | Feb 5-6 |
** St Kilda’s camp will conclude on Saturday, February 14, with a NAB Cup match against the Brisbane Lions at Gold Coast Stadium
*** Sydney conducted their Community Camp in December, 2008
