Sydney Swans players Kurt Tippett and Ben McGlynn big hit with kids at Port Hacking High School

With the AFL season starting on next month, the Swans are conducting community visits in primary and secondary schools throughout NSW.

The Swans players and development staff from AFL NSW/ACT run coaching and skills clinics.

Swans midfielder McGlynn said he enjoyed the school visits.

‘‘The main thing that I speak about to the students is for them to have fun and get enjoyment playing AFL,’’ he said.

‘‘Each of the Swans players do 22 schools each year.’’

Ruckman and forward Kurt Tippett, who started his AFL career with the Adelaide Crows and joined the Swans in 2013, said growing the game is one of the main themes he endorses.

Tippett, who stands 203 centimetres tall, said he encouraged people of all ages and abilities to play Australian football.

‘‘It’s all about growing the game and sharing the game in our community.''

‘‘It is about sharing the game with everyone in our community.

“It is fantastic to see girls and women playing the game.”

Port Hacking High School has more than 70 boys and girls who play Australian football at clubs.

The school also enters the AFL NSW/ACT nine-a-side knockout events.

AFL NSW/ACT development co-ordinator Harry Sleight said they visit between 70 and 80 schools in the St George district and the Sutherland Shire during the year.

‘‘Our area stretches from Ramsgate right down to Heathcote and on the edge of Helensburg,’’ Sleigh told The Leader.

‘‘The AFL intends to start a national women’s league in 2017.’’

Sleigh said new girls and women's players from the St George district and Sutherland Shire are encouraged to join Southern Power AFC.

Southern Power AFC entered women's teams in 2014 in the Sydney AFL competitions.