The AFL is pleased to confirm the schedule for the 2025 AFL Community Camps program for another year, with teams heading to regional communities across Australia throughout the pre-season.
From visiting junior clubs, schools and hospitals to taking part in clinics and attending community events, more than 700 AFL players will meet fans, recognise local heroes and inspire the next generation.
Melbourne was the first team to conduct their Community Camp with the Demons paying a visit to Mansfield and the surrounding area in the last week of November 2024, with Essendon following close behind with a visit to Gisborne, Castlemaine and Bendigo between December 2-3.
The remaining Victorian teams will cover significant ground in regional areas of the state, including visits to Ballarat, Bendigo, Warragul, Wangaratta and the Mornington Peninsula, while Tasmania will once again host Hawthorn.
AFL Executive General Manager of Game Development, Rob Auld, said the AFL Community Camps are an essential part of the AFL’s overall goal of engaging with local communities and growing the game from a grassroots level.
"Many of our game’s greatest players began their journeys in remote and regional towns, at small local clubs kept afloat by dedicated volunteers, and the purpose of these camps is for our elite AFL players to connect with members of these communities and give back to those people who live and breathe footy,” Auld said.
"Whilst our diehard supporters jump at the chance to meet their heroes, these camps are also an opportunity to engage and strengthen connection to the game for new fans and participants, ensure Australian football is accessible to everyone.
"I’d like to thank all the clubs, players and staff who help coordinate and deliver the 2025 AFL Community Camps around the country each and every year. They play a vital part in bringing our game to all corners of Australia as we strive to have footy in every home."
The camps have been running since 2003, with more than one million children being reached during school and club visits across Australia over 20 years.
CLICK HERE for the full 2025 AFL Community Camp Schedule.
For the first time, in 2024 the AFL ran a dedicated AFLW Community Camps program for the elite women’s competition during the pre-season in the lead up to the 2024 NAB AFLW season.