Richmond player, David Astbury went to Our Lady’s Primary School in Craigieburn on Monday and read to students as part of The Alannah and Madeline Foundation’s Better Buddies Book Week celebrations.

Astbury stood in front of 150 students at the school with Tigerstripes, the Club’s mascot and read 'The Runaway Hug' by Nicholas Bland, to encourage students to engage in literacy activities together.

Astbury said he wanted to show the students that reading was important and enjoyable at all ages, especially when reading together.

“Reading and absorbing information from our coaches is an important part of being a footballer. If students understand that reading is important to their role models, this will encourage them to develop their own reading,” he said.

“Hopefully, the students enjoyed the book and being read to, and maybe the older buddies will now decide to read a book to their younger buddies.”

The Alannah and Madeline Foundation’s CEO, Dr Judith Slocombe, said it was valuable for students to know that even busy sports heroes recognise the importance of reading.

“It was a great idea for one of the Richmond Football Club players to visit and read with the buddies,” Dr Slocombe said.

The Alannah and Madeline Foundation is the preferred charity partner of Richmond. The Club supports the Foundation’s Better Buddies Framework which aims to reduce bullying and create friendly and caring school communities. 

For more information about The Alannah and Madeline Foundation or Better Buddies Book Week, visit www.amf.org.au.