Ben’s the king of the kids
HE might be an AFL superstar, but Ben Brown has never forgotten his roots — joining in a clinic at the North Hobart Oval yesterday for 500 Tassie kids.
“It’s a great opportunity to get out with the kids and see the smiles on their faces,” the North Melbourne star said of the event.
Brown also took the opportunity to say he was “saddened” by the recent loss of Burnie and Devonport — where he grew up — to the Tasmanian State League.
HE was king of the kids at North Hobart Oval yesterday and North Melbourne’s Tassie Kangaroo Ben Brown is always happy to give back to his home state.
About 500 kids flooded the traditional home of Tasmanian football for North Melbourne’s super clinic, attended by everyone from captain Kangaroos Jack Ziebell to the joeys.
It was a the last stop of a five-day stay for North Melbourne’s JLT match against Melbourne at Kingston’s Twin Ovals last Saturday and the clubs annual Community Camp.
“It’s always good to get home and we love coming out and doing clinics like this with the kids and I think they get a lot out of it too,” Brown said.
“It’s a great opportunity to get out with the kids and see the smiles on their faces.
“I know the rest of the guys love coming to Hobart too.”
Brown remembers when he was a little — make that young — kid attending footy clinics and the boost they gave to his ambitions. Sometimes, he even sees a potential “Ben Brown” in the groups.
“At the Next Generation the other day there were a few 11 and 12-year-olds running around and I think a few of them showed potential, girls and boys,” he said.
“It’s an exciting time for us with our AFLW team coming in next year.
“Footy clinics like today are giving a good opportunity not only for the boys coming through, but also the girls.”
Before leaving town, North Melbourne launched its online program of teaching resources, GOAL. The Tasmanian-based program was designed by teachers for teachers using an innovative and engaging approach.