Lions impress our students
Clinics prove a hit with Downs kids
AUSSIE RULES: The Lions roared into the region, leaving a lasting impression on the potential future stars of the sport.
The latest edition of the Brisbane Lions Community Camp swept across the Downs over the past two days, with students and players from Toowoomba to Goondiwindi getting the chance to meet their AFL heroes.
Harris Andrews and Zac Bailey were on deck at The Glennie School on Monday to take a dedicated group of young girls through a number of skills drills.
Andrews, who made his topflight debut for the club in 2016, said the players were able to spend quality time with keen girls and boys over the course of the visits.
“It’s been fantastic. We got up here on Monday morning, got out to a few different schools and we’ve had a great time,” Andrews said.
“We’re introducing people to football. Obviously it’s a pretty heavy rugby league town and a lot of people don’t even know what AFL is.
“If we can try and introduce them to the sport and teach them some of the easier skills, they might gain an interest and potentially play it.
“We might not get an opportunity to come out here again until next year. If they can sign up for their junior club that’s a huge benefit for the sport.”
It is estimated that the reach of the visits stretched to more than 1000 students, and Andrews hopes it encourages students to take up the sport.
“I think the response has been really good. It’s new to a few of them and they’re still picking up the skills, but there’s been good excitement and energy,” he said.
“I made sure the first thing I asked the kids was who they supported, and there was a lot of Lions responses.
“But if we can keep growing the game out in regional places like the Darling Downs, we’ll get more players through and hopefully that will benefit us in the long run.”
Growing up in the city he would go on to represent, Andrews said having visits from players as a youngster was a source of inspiration.
“I remember when I was at school in Brisbane there was Lions players coming out and spending time with us.
“It gives them a little bit of hope, something to dream for and to aspire to achieve.
“Seeing the enjoyment on the kids faces and the energy they bring, even though it was very hot, we do appreciate that and its nice to get out to places you normally wouldn’t come.”