The Carlton football team flew into Penang yesterday to begin a five-day visit arranged by Tourism Malaysia office here.
Tourism Malaysia is a major sponsor of the club in the Australian Football League this season which begins next month. The Carlton website said the visit would provide the team with first hand experience of Malaysia.
“This is a great opportunity and we are looking forward to our visit and the chance to see some of the attractions that are helping to make Malaysia an increasingly popular tourist attraction for Australians,” coach Brett Ratten is quoted as saying.
“Importantly we will be ambassadors for our club in Malaysia and look forward to improving their knowledge of the game,” Ratten said. While it is a promotional visit, the players will have daily training sessions in Penang to ensure the players continue their pre-season conditioning.
“As well as training and the promotional programme with Tourism Malaysia, this trip is also about assisting the development of our leadership team,” Ratten said.
Carlton chief executive Greg Swann said the visit to Malaysia was an important part of the new sponsorship with Malaysia.
“I have no doubt the players will become ambassadors for Malaysia following the visit to Penang and this will further enhance our relationship with Tourism Malaysia,” Swann is quoted by the website as saying.
“We also believe this will provide Tourism Malaysia with an even greater understanding of the tremendous exposure and impact within the community such an association with Carlton will provide.”
The club is to forward the players’ diary and photos on carltonfc.com.au when they return from Malaysia.