Hats off the the Swans

On Monday 9th July Dad, the kids and I headed into the SCG for the Sydney Swans Clinic. Daniel was super keen, Eliza kept saying that she wanted to do it but didn't sound heaps keen and Alexander wanted to go on the field but was too young. Next year he will be able to do it too. We arrived just before the sent the kids onto the field. Alexander had a cuddle with Cyggy which the professional photographer snapped.

Then Eliza and Daniel got in on the cuddles too.

Where's Alexander?

There he is

Then the kids were called onto the field. Eliza's group was called first and she was happy to walk down to the grass on her own. Once she got to the stairs she walked down so slowly, one step at a time. Ohh dear. But it did make me chuckle.

She did eventually make it to the group and the teachers. Daniel's group was called out next and he was the opposite, running down and over to his group. 

The kids then started their activities. Eliza was in the group closest to us so we could see her skills easily, while Daniel went around the ground to different groups. 

As I watched Eliza I could see she wasn't herself. She stood on the outside of the group, when they asked her to run, she would walk. When it was her turn she went to the end of the line instead of having a go. When they were running through the ladder, she walked through it. At one point I saw her upset and thought she was going to be brought over to me. Instead I saw one of the players hold her hand and help her with the activities. The player was Jake Brown, number 41. 

I cannot compliment him enough! The way he just took her by the hand, ran with her, encouraged her and helped her get involved was just beautiful. I love this club. I love how family focussed they are and this just increased my appreciation of it. Here are some videos of Eliza doing (or trying to do) the activities. She is the one in grey with the Swans cap on.

Eliza trying to handball/throw.

 Eliza walking the hurdles.

I just loved watching Eliza and Jake doing a tipping game. Again, the way that she was included in the activities was beautiful. What a champ!

 He then held her hand as they walked over to the signing table. It really was just beautiful and meant so much to me that she participated and enjoyed it, even if she was feeling a bit out of sorts.

I managed to spot Daniel as he came to a closer group. He had fun doing tackling

and different handball skills too.

Alexander had fun sitting with Poppy and I.

The kids lined up and got their hats signed. Daniel was very excited to have Luke Parker sign his hat.

Eliza liked having the team sign her hat. It was special how one of the players wrote 'To Eliza. Go Swans.' on it. She was also lucky enough to have her Swans ball signed by some of the players too.

Then Alexander of course wanted a photo of him too.

Thanks for a great day at the Swans clinic! Can't wait for next year.