MCG to become school holiday destination

THE home of football is set to transform into an incredible school holiday destination with Victorian children given access to the MCG and Melbourne’s iconic sports precinct.

Hudson Price, Jasper Blundell, Eti Beltrami and Charlotte Blundell on the 'G. Picture Jay Town

THE MCG has been a footy oval, cricket ground, concert venue, outdoor cinema and soccer stadium.

But it will soon be transformed into a school holiday destination like no other with children granted unprecedented access to the MCG and Melbourne’s iconic sporting precinct nearby.

A two-week sports themed kids program will be run at Australia’s home of sport in the July school holidays with clinics for AFL, tennis, rugby league, cricket, netball, basketball, athletics and soccer.

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Kids will access exclusive kick-to-kick sessions on the turf, tennis lessons on a Melbourne Park show court and coaching sessions in the change rooms used by AFL stars.

Primary school aged children will also meet Melbourne Storm players and score behind the scenes access to the National Sports Museum.

The mighty MCG will throw open its doors to Victoria’s kids. Picture: Mark Stewart

MCC chief executive Stuart Fox hoped the new initiative would appeal to sports-mad Victorian families keen to keep their kids active during the school break.

“There’s something magical about the MCG and that extends beyond the energy of a match day,” he said.

“We’re pleased to open up the venue for a unique school holiday program and we hope the sporting theme and location will capture the imagination of kids of all ages.”

Qualified teachers and industry experts will lead the program from July 2-13, excluding weekends and July 6 when Richmond play Adelaide in a Grand Final rematch at the MCG.

A netball clinic and athletics instruction will also be included in the program, running from 8am to 6pm.

“We originally offered a much smaller version of the program just for our staff,’’ Mr Fox said.

“But we had so many people saying that their friends or family would love to come along, it made sense to trial something the wider public could enjoy.”

MCC members will have first shot at booking with the program going on sale to the general public on May 16.

Go to www.teamkids.com.au to book.

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