A group of Essendon’s emerging leaders have set off on a ten-day trip to India, departing for the sub continent on Sunday morning.
David Zaharakis, Dyson Heppell, Zach Merrett and Joe Daniher will visit India to embrace all it has to offer thanks to Antler Luggage and Travel and Taste.
Midfielder David Zaharakis will be visitng the country for the first time and is excited about what is in store.
“I am very excited as we get to go and look at another part of the world,” Zaharakis said.
“I love travelling so I am looking forward to visiting a country that is different to just about every other country I have visited in terms of the people, food and the culture.”
A key feature of the trip will see the travelling party visit the SOS Children’s Village in New Delhi.
The village hosts children from all over the region who can no longer be supported by their families due to disadvantage.
They will also spend time working with AFL India in the country’s north-eastern city of Kolkata.
Zaharakis said he was looking forward to getting outside of his comfort zone.
“Working with the kids is like anything we do here at the football club and it is an exciting part of being an AFL footballer,” he said.
“In India they are so involved in cricket that we can go over there and teach them about another sport.”
“I m sure when they look at the footy they will not know what it is but it will be quiet exciting to introduce them to the game.”
Zaharakis said it was important for the club to continue to build on its relationships with the Indian community.
“It is good community engagement for us to help us understand the Indian community back here in Melbourne,” he said.
“The more we get the chance to look at another culture the better it is for the football club.”
