Fremantle Oval was a sea of children this afternoon as 16 schools from around Perth took part in the Primary School Auskick Gala Day, a part of the Fremantle Football Club’s Community Development Programme, in partnership with Alinta.

Over 700 children participated in the clinic, and it was run by the vast majority of Fremantle’s primary and rookie list, with assistance by students from the University of Notre Dame.

Fremantle Community Development Manager David Crute says the 16 schools that took part in today’s proceedings had special significance.

“The club has got behind schools that have previously had very little affiliation with Australian Rules football,” he said.

“We provide each school with ten footballs and Auskick registration forms, and hopefully the students will take a lot out of a day like today and it will encourage them to take up the game."

The children learned the finer points of the game from the players, and also had the opportunity to get an autograph or two from their heroes.

The club would like to thank the hard-working students from the University of Notre Dame and the Fremantle players who volunteered their time willingly to provide the schoolkids with a day they’ll never forget.