By Luke D’Anello
THE Essendon District Football League (EDFL) has joined forces with an AFL powerhouse.
Essendon Football Club will sponsor the league’s junior competition and EDFL clubs will be offered a number of opportunities under the agreement.
Subject to availability, EDFL juniors will be able to train at Windy Hill for 60 minutes on Tuesday nights under the tutelage of an Essendon player.
One EDFL under-14 player will also take part in a two-day talent camp during the mid-year school holidays. The camp will include training, matches, workshops with players, strength and conditioning and nutrition advice.
Essendon will also host a session on the modern techniques of coaching this year at Windy Hill.
As part of the partnership, Essendon’s logo will be emblazoned on junior footballs used in the EDFL.
“The EDFL is delighted to form a partnership with a respected AFL club such as the Essendon Football Club,” league general manager Marc Turri said.
“The ability for our junior players and coaches to interact with Essendon Football Club players and coaches provides an exciting venture for all parties.”
EDFL juniors can also attend an Essendon match free of charge this season. The Bombers are inviting clubs to get a group of 50 juniors together for a day at an AFL game. Clubs can gain the full proceeds if they charge a small amount for each ticket. Clubs can attend Essendon’s matches against either North Melbourne (18 June), Sydney (6 August) or Port Adelaide (28 August).