Bringing Footy to Wyndham & Shepparton

This year, the North Melbourne Football Club and The Huddle set out to bring the excitement of Aussie Rules Football to young people in Wyndham and Shepparton through the annual AFL Community Camp – and what an unforgettable experience it was! 

Over two action-packed days—Monday, February 10, and Tuesday, February 11—the North Melbourne Kangaroos made a lasting impact, forging real connections and creating special moments with young people in local schools and communities. 44 AFL Men’s players and two AFL Men’s coaches stepped off the field and into classrooms, schoolyards, and local communities, proving that Aussie Rules is more than just a game—it’s about building a sense of belonging and community. 

To launch the Community Camp,The Huddle introduced our latest GOAL! Kangaroos lessons at Werribee Primary School, taking the footy experience beyond the field. These engaging sessions gave students the opportunity to learn through footy themed STEM activities fused with a Kangas flair before heading out to experience it firsthand.

As Jodie, Assistant Principal for Wellbeing and Inclusion at Werribee Primary School, put it: 

"The reason we've loved making connections with North Melbourne and The Huddle is because we can see the benefits of engaging all students in their programs. It's great for those kids who are interested in sport, but also those kids who are interested in their STEM activities to come together, work together collaboratively, and develop new learning." 

This holistic approach to engagement ensures that young people—regardless of their interests—can find value in the programs and build new skills, whether on the field or in the classroom. 

Wyndham is Victoria’s fastest-growing cities and one of Australia’s most diverse communities, with over 70 languages spoken. However, only a small percentage of the population currently engages with Aussie Rules Football. The AFL Community Camp was designed to introduce the sport to new audiences, showing young people what the game is all about and inspiring them to get involved.

From school visits to hands-on footy skills clinics, the Kangaroos set out to connect, inspire, and ignite passion for the sport. With a goal of engaging 4,500 young people, the impact was significant: 

• 1,500 students in Shepparton welcomed the Kangaroos with cheers and excitement. 

• 3,500 students in Wyndham had the chance to meet and learn from AFL players. 

But the real magic happened when the young people took the field themselves! 

For those already passionate about Aussie Rules, the Come & Play Auskick and Superkick Skills Clinic was a dream come true. This was their chance to lace up their boots, practice their skills, and experience the thrill of the game alongside professional AFL players. 

• 90 kids in Shepparton brought their energy and enthusiasm to the field. 

• 75 eager participants in Wyndham pushed themselves to new heights.

Even when fatigue set in, the determination never wavered. As one player summed it up perfectly:  “I’m running on empty, but I’m gonna find another gear.”

Beyond the drills and excitement, the most powerful moments were found in the connections made along the way. 

One parent reached out to AFL Victoria, expressing deep gratitude for the visit. Her son, who had been struggling with mental health challenges, found joy and hope in meeting the players. A simple handshake and a smile meant the world to him. 

Then there was the young girl who was thrilled at the chance to attend a Kangaroos game—until she realised it clashed with her gymnastics class. With tears in her eyes, she approached Charlie Comben to apologise for missing it. That’s the kind of impact this camp had on young people. 

With Wyndham’s population rapidly expanding and becoming increasingly diverse, events like the AFL Community Camp are crucial for introducing Aussie Rules to new communities. The Kangaroos didn’t just visit—they showed thousands of young people that Aussie Rules Football can be a space for fun, connection, and personal growth. 

The days were long, and the schedule was packed, but the players never lost their energy. With every school visit, clinic, and conversation, they planted the seeds for a stronger, more inclusive footy community—one that will hopefully grow for years to come. 

We can’t wait to do it all again next year!