Western Bulldogs player Gabby Newton says being involved in the Bulldogs Read program is a fulfilling experience.
For the first time since its launch eight years ago, the AFLW Bulldogs are involved in the Ballarat-exclusive literacy program – which has seen a record number of primary school children take part his year.
"It's so fulfilling when we get to do it because it makes you realise how far a reach footy has, especially here in Ballarat," Newton told the Ballarat Courier in February.
"It was an unexpected part of being drafted. I didn't realise all the community involvement we had.”
139 students from eight primary schools across the Ballarat region have signed up for the program this year.
With a focus on reading and writing book reviews, participating pupils also stay connected to the red, white and blue by attending match-days, watching training, undertaking Skype sessions with players and joining in football clinics.
The program is held in partnership with City of Ballarat libraries.
The 2023 launch was held in-person for the first time in over two years, with AFLW Bulldogs Newton and Eleanor Brown joining AFL players Adam Treloar and Taylor Duryea for a Q&A and signing session at the Ballarat Regional Soccer Facility.
The Bulldogs’ live mascot, Caesar, was also in attendance.
