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Warrnambool and the South West have been included in an expanded Geelong Cats Next Generation Academy region, creating new opportunities for the Geelong Cats and Warrnambool City Council to collaborate on initiatives on and off the field.
Both organisations joined AFL Victoria in hosting the Beyond the Boundary business breakfast on Wednesday February 4, with over 70 local business leaders and professionals in attendance.
The breakfast was part of a larger Community Camp, which also saw Cats players and staff conducting kids' clinics, a coaches’ dinner, school visits as well as an open training session at Warrnambool’s premier sporting facility – Reid Oval.
Geelong Cats CEO Steve Hocking, who spoke at the breakfast alongside Captain Patrick Dangerfied, said that being part of regional communities is at the heart of the Club’s identity.
“Our return to Warrnambool reinforces our long-standing commitment to making the Geelong Cats accessible to fans and aspiring athletes across our regions,” he said.
“Our relationship with Warrnambool is invaluable, and the expansion of our Next Generation Academy means more local talent can be identified, developed, and experience the strong sense of belonging that comes with being part of the Geelong Cats.
“We’re also thrilled to deliver first-time initiatives during Community Camp, with the Beyond the Boundary Breakfast and coaches dinner both delivering meaningful and lasting benefits in the area.
“On behalf of the Club, I’d like to thank Warrnambool City Council and AFL Victoria for their support in helping bring these opportunities to life.”
Warrnambool Mayor Cr Ben Blain said that he was looking forward to continuing to work closely with the Cats moving forward.
“Geelong are probably the best supported AFL club in Warrnambool. They are our closest club geographically, so that’s a part of it, but I think what really sets them apart is their commitment to engaging with their regional fanbase,” he said.
“This isn’t the first time in recent years that the Cats have visited Warrnambool, and now with our region included in their Next Generation Academy area, I’m really looking forward to working together even more, both on and off the field, and the business breakfast is the first part of that.
“A closer relationship with the Cats means more opportunities for local kids to meet their favourite players and be inspired to play sport and stay active.
"For local coaches, clubs and businesses, to be able to learn from some of the best in the game is a really valuable opportunity, and for the wider community, being able to soak up the atmosphere that comes when there’s an AFL team in the city is something people really enjoy, so I'm really looking forward to seeing the continued benefits in the years ahead.”
The Cats will be back at GMHBA Stadium on Saturday March 14 for Round 1 against Fremantle. The first home game of the season is set for 4.15pm.