AFL players and officials from the St Kilda Football Club have arrived in Wellington to take part in the first AFL Community Camp in New Zealand.
To kick off the three day camp, the Saints will launch the ticket sale on Thursday for the first AFL game in New Zealand on Anzac Day.
In an international first, St Kilda will come to Wellington as part of the 2013 AFL premiership season to take on the reigning premiers, the Sydney Swans.
“The AFL Community Camp is a great opportunity for our club to increase our involvement with the City of Wellington and allow us to get to know the community,” senior coach Scott Watters said.
“These camps provide a tremendous boost to communities across Australia and we’re hoping we can do the same in New Zealand. We want immerse ourselves in the Wellington culture and encourage them to become involved with St Kilda football club.”
During the camp, the Saints will take part in a host of activities, including an AFL Super Clinic, open training sessions and meeting the Wellington sporting fans.
St Kilda players will be appearing at an AFL Combine session as well as meeting Super Rugby team the Hurricanes
In a symbolic gesture, the Saints will travel across the harbour in a waka as part of a welcoming ceremony at the Wharewaka.
The coming game against the Swans in Wellington is generating plenty of hype among an excited New Zealand public.
“This is an historic occasion for us. Economic impact reports suggest the spend from players, officials and supporters will amount to a multi-million dollar injection into the Wellington economy. The event will also strengthen the links between Wellington and Melbourne,” senior City Councillor, John Morrison said.
The three day community camp concludes on Australia Day, Saturday, January 26.
For more information about the Saints in New Zealand, visit http://www.saints.com.au/NZ
More than 23,000 Saints supporters have already united in 2013. Join them and sign up for a 2013 club membership by visiting saintsmembership.com.au or by ringing 1300 GO SAINTS (1300 467 246). Loyalty Unites Us.
