Xavier visit to Vivid

The members of the team, including head of football Dale Amos and coach Jobe Watson, the former Essendon champion, spent a number of hours at The Hub on High St.

The teenage footballers, some of who are likely to be drafted to the AFL in the coming years, were called upon for some gardening work, laying pavers and general yard maintenance.

A number also joined Vivid participants in a footy clinic, with former Bombers skipper Watson the most popular.

With their duties completed, everyone tucked into morning tea and mingled.

Vivid Echuca chief executive officer Scott Alexander said it was terrific to welcome the Xavier crew.

“I’ve got to thank Flip Evans from Intersport, he used to be a manager with us at Vivid and he has a good relationship with the Xavier College football team,” Mr Alexander said.

“The team were in town for a footy camp and part of that camp was to undertake some community service.

“Flip asked us if we could use some assistance, and we said yes.”

Mr Alexander said he took the chance to share with the team the role Vivid plays in the Echuca community.

“It was a good chance to talk to the lads and give them a bit of exposure to who we are and what we do here at Vivid,” he said.

“Some of the boys are weeding an area undercover, which will be transformed next week when Coolabah Turf helps make it a grassed area, while others are working on what will be our new paved area.

“We love any opportunity for community collaboration such as this.

“Hopefully it opens their eyes to the disability sector and highlights the growing career opportunities.

“There is a real trend of younger folk getting into the industry in support roles and making us their first job post-school.”

Mr Amos, who has enjoyed a long career in football, including stints as assistant coach of Geelong and Carlton, said the visit was one of the highlights of the trip to Echuca.

“The camp has been about building connections and sharing experiences together,” he said.

“There were no phones, we set up tents and stayed the night at the Morning Glory caravan park, enjoying the chance to sit around the campfire and talk with one another.

“The second part of the camp was to develop an understanding of the local community.

“We know Echuca-Moama was hit by the floods and we wanted to contribute in a small way.

“It has been great to come here to Vivid today and have an impact in a positive way.”

One of the Xavier squad members was Moama’s Jett Keam.

Keam, Tom Evans and Sam Edgar are the three members of the Xavier senior football squad who hail from the twin towns.

The Year 11 student said it was a great trip for him and his teammates.

“A number of the boys are boarders like myself, so to get away and bond together as a group is important,” he said.

“It’s been a good couple of days showing them around and great today even coming here to Vivid.

“I saw my mate Stevie, who sings the song with us at Moama every time we win, so it’s been a great part of the footy trip.”

Later in the day the Xavier squad took the chance to train with Goulburn Valley League premier Echuca before heading back on the bus to Melbourne.