Kids meet sporting heroes at picnic

Families soaked up some winter sunshine during a school holiday picnic in North Melbourne where young footy fans enjoyed a kick with their sporting heroes.

More than 35 excited kids took part in the event where they received a coaching master class from AFL and AFLW stars from North Melbourne Football Club including Trent Dumont and Emma Kearney.

Held at the North Melbourne Community Centre, the family-friendly event on July 8 was packed with activities.

Fun included yoga sessions, Hannah art, a drawing completion, Brazilian martial arts lessons, hula-hoop games, soccer, and a barbecue.

The day was hosted by North Melbourne Football Club’s community project, The Huddle, which offers a diverse mix of community programs with the aim of creating more socially inclusive communities.

Event organiser Ruth Game hailed the picnic as a success saying there were “lots of friends coming together and families reuniting”.

“We’ve been really lucky with the sunny weather, and being able to provide a space for kids and families to get together again after being separated for so long, and having a nice barbecue,” she said.

Kangaroo Trent Dumont, 26, said he was privileged to be involved and see kids smile.

Sports star Emma Kearney, who captains the North Melbourne Football Club in the AFLW, said it was “just a great way for the community to come together, be active, eat some food, and just socialise” •

Flemington mum Ayan Daher said her children aged four and seven two, were super excited to meet players with her son “always dreaming of going to the AFL”.