Richmond AFL players visit schools and inspire young athletes

It was Samson’s first time visiting Cobram, and he said it was a great town and great opportunity to give back to the community.

“All the locals have been really, really welcoming and really nice,” he said.

“It's just great to be out among the community and giving back to our fans, lots of young kids out here aspiring to be like us one day.”

Richmond Football Club environment, social and governance general manager Michael Lacy said it had been fantastic being able to visit the primary and secondary schools.

“We’ve got a few football clinics happening in Corowa, Cobram and Yarrawonga, then a small event with some of our members and fans in Yarrawonga,” Mr Lacy said.

“We invited any kids locally to come along, and the players will run a training session with kids.”

The students were thrilled to see the AFL stars, among them Isabelle Foster, 14, who aspires to be a professional AFLW player and currently plays for the Katamatite Football Club and the Wangaratta Rovers Female Football Club.

“I’ve been playing footy for about four or five years, but my first footy season, I did break my leg, so I’ve only just started playing full footy seasons in 2023,” Isabelle said.

“I thought it was an awesome experience being able to have them come down and have a chat with us, get signatures, have photos and just being able to spend time with them.”

Levi Spaul, 14, has been playing AFL for six years and currently plays for the Strathmerton Football Netball Club.

Levi said he thought the visit was “pretty cool” and his favourite part was getting his hat signed.