Knights bring more than footy to Muswellbrook

A live reptile display, Aboriginal mural painting, and a science and engineering challenge are just some of the exciting activities headlining the Newcastle Knights' visit to the annual Australian Rugby League Development's 'Kids to Kangaroos' Clinic in Muswellbrook next week.

The occasion will mark the second time the team has come to Muswellbrook for one of its Community Alliance 'Blitz' events, which are co-hosted with partner Coal & Allied.

The Muswellbrook Community Alliance Blitz is being held on Monday 5 July 2010 at Olympic Park from 10am to 2pm.

It will also involve a host of football activities for the whole family including watching the Knights train, photos and autographs with the players, and some great competitions.

Some of Coal & Allied's Community Partners will be on hand to provide some fun and interactive activities.

Conservation Volunteers Australia will bring along a live reptile display, the community can take part in the University of Newcastle's Science and Engineering Challenge, and also try their hand at mural painting with emerging Aboriginal artist Joe Irving.

Entry to the Muswellbrook Blitz and all of its activities are free except for the Australian Rugby League Development's popular Kids to Kangaroos Clinic, which will be running at the event teaching children aged six to 12 years some of the skills of the game.

The town will also be recognised as an important community for rugby league with the team and Coal & Allied making a special presentation to the Mayor of Muswellbrook Shire Council Councillor Martin Rush.

Mayor Cr Martin Rush said the council is looking forward to the welcoming the Newcastle Knights back to the Shire of Muswellbrook.

"Youth sport is particularly important in rural Australia and we are pleased that both the Newcastle Knights and Coal and Allied - a corporate citizen of this community - continue to support football clinics at Olympic Park," Cr Rush said.

Newcastle Knights CEO Steve Burraston said the club has been visiting Muswellbrook on a regular basis for the last five years to support a variety of initiatives and is excited to be coming back.

"While our goal on the field is to win games, our goal through the Community Alliance is to make a difference to the lives of the people in the Hunter Valley," Mr Burraston said.

"Our players are involved in a number of initiatives including supporting educational programs in schools, Indigenous student mentoring, community events, junior football clinics, and health and wellness programs.

"The blitz will be another great event in the Community Alliance calendar and we look forward to catching up with our Muswellbrook fans again."

Coal & Allied General Manager External Relations Fiona Nicholls said the Community Alliance is not just about sponsoring a football club but it's about building and strengthening communities in the Hunter Valley.

"We are delighted to bring along some of our Community Partners - Conservation Volunteers Australia, the University of Newcastle, and Aboriginal artist Joe Irving - to take part," Ms Nicholls said.

"They will support the Community Alliance's vision to raise awareness about key issues within the community including the environment, education and skills, and cultural heritage.

"I encourage the people of Muswellbrook to bring their families along for what will be a great day of fun and entertainment for the whole community."

ENDS

Media contacts:

Newcastle Knights - Frank Barrett 0439 535 055
Coal & Allied - Alison Smith 07 3361 4223 / 0438 787 038.

Media release - Knights bring more than footy to Muswellbrook [PDF: 43 KB]