PORT ADELAIDE defender Jack Watts was among a number of players who visited fire-affected communities in the Adelaide Hills for the club’s annual Community Camp.

Port Adelaide’s playing group and staff members were split up between the Hills, Whyalla and Port Lincoln as part of this year’s camp, and Watts says it was an eye-opening experience to see first-hand the damage this summer’s devasting bushfires had on the community.

“We are just out here in the Hills, obviously it has been a really tough time for a lot of people out here in the fire-affected areas,” he told portadelaidefc.com.au

“It’s been amazing this morning to get out to two primary schools each. The kids have been awesome.

“Now we are at the Super Clinic with 100 kids and everyone is having a great time.

“It’s been nice to be out here and put a smile on a couple of kids’ faces.” 

The playing group used the school visits to encourage local students to eat and drink right, be active and to get plenty of sleep, sharing important healthy lifestyle messages out of the club’s Community Youth Program, which celebrates its 21st year in 2020.

The skilful defender said it was important - especially in the fire-affected Hills - to see a smile on the faces of the school children.

“We are spread out across the state and our main aim is to put a smile on the kids’ faces,” Watts said.

“We love getting out into the communities. This is where it all starts isn’t it? Grassroots and spreading a pretty important lifestyle and healthy living message.”

Watts said he is extremely proud of the work the club does in the community, admitting it could have a massive impact on the kids.

“It’s what makes the football club run, the support we get,” he said.

“I remember when I was a kid, how much it meant to me seeing AFL players come out and say hello and just take a clinic.

“It might not mean much to them - you’ve got to remind yourself that when you’re a player just how much it means to these kids. It might spark a dream that one of these kids has and they can take that for the rest of their lives.

“It’s very important to the kids, and I think we do a really great job of it.”