The Tigers will hold open training sessions in Bendigo and Echuca next Tuesday, as they travel to the Club’s Next Generation Academy zone for their 2018 AFL Community Camp.

Two groups, including players, coaches and staff, will travel to the towns from Monday, February 12 to Tuesday, February 13.

Richmond players will train at Echuca's Victoria Park and Bendigo's Queen Elizabeth Oval next Tuesday morning, before signing autographs.

During the visits the Club will work closely with AFL Victoria and its regional administration centres to provide football clinics and engage players with the broader Bendigo and Echuca communities.

Richmond’s Next Generation Academy (NGA) region includes AFL Central Vic, Central Murray, Goulburn Murray, North East Border and Sunraysia – the Murray Bushrangers and Bendigo Pioneers catchments.

The NGA introduces the game of Australian Rules to both boys and girls, aged 5-18 years, who are from Indigenous and multicultural backgrounds. It aims to create a culturally affirming environment in order for them to thrive in the talent pathway.

The Tigers have heavily invested in their NGA region since its inception in 2016, drafting Mildura product Derek Eggmolesse-Smith as a Category B rookie at the end of last year.

Richmond also has a strong connection to Bendigo through its partnership with Bendigo Thunder.

The Tigers joined forces with the Thunder at the beginning of 2017 to strengthen the talent and participation pathway for women in Victoria’s central and northern regions.

Richmond’s AFLW football operations manager Kate Sheahan and VFLW and Academy coach Tom Hunter will hold a VFLW training session at Queen Elizabeth Oval during the Bendigo visit. 

Open training sessions:

Echuca
Tuesday, 13 February from 9:00am
Vic Park, Crofton Street, Echuca

Bendigo
Tuesday, 13 February from 9:15am
Queen Elizabeth Oval, View Street, Bendigo