Swans train with Trinity

Four members of the Sydney Swans called in to Summer Hill’s Trinity Grammar School as part of the Community Camp initiative.

The inner-west boys’ school, with traditional rugby union and soccer ties, opened their doors this month to Jude Bolton, Shane Mumford, Adam Goodes and local draftee Jackson Potter.

Junior sports master, James Barkell, said an increased awareness of AFL, through player visits and the success of the Swans, was behind the growth in participation rates at the school.

“With more AFL on the television, the boys have a greater knowledge of the stars that were here [on Wednesday], and it is a sport they love to play,” he said.

“We run AFL as a unit in our PE class, as well as fielding teams in the school competitions.”

Among the 220 boys who participated in the day were two indigenous scholarship recipients from the Northern Territory who had a chance to meet their idol, Adam Goodes.

Swans veteran, Jude Bolton emphasised it was these opportunities to reach out to youngsters that made the Community Camps a worthwhile exercise.

“It is a great chance for us to spread across the state in the schools and hospitals,” he said.

“Coming to Sydney a number of years ago now, it is great to see how their skills have adapted and hopefully we can continue to encourage these kids to become life-long supporters and followers of the game.”