Sapping Northern Rivers humidity greeted GCFC players and staffers at Lismore’s Oakes Oval for the launch of GCFC’s inaugural Community Camp today.

Hardy members of the Lismore’s footy faithful turned up - many sporting their local club colours - and looked on while GCFC’s stars of tomorrow laboured through a 2km time trial and a series of intense contested skills sessions.

An even spread of local radio and television media were on hand to keep GCFC Football Manager Marcus Ashcroft more than busy and the sight of mid morning Monday training stopped more than a few passers-by.

The Mitchell family - Joey, his wife Vanessa, and their eight month year old son - were more than pleased to see the red leather spinning end over end.

‘We were just driving past and I actually recognised the Gold Coast colours,’ said Joey. ‘We haven’t been up here long, only a couple of months, and I thought we’d miss the footy. Apparently not..’

The Mitchell’s hail from footy-mad Kyneton in central Victoria. Both Joey and Vanessa say they’ll watch GCFC’s progress closely.

‘They’re mad for their sport in these parts. It doesn’t take long to figure that out. It’ll catch on quick I reckon,’ said Joey.

He said he’d already had it in mind to pack the family up for trips north to see GCFC take part in the 2010 VFL competition.

‘We’ll be heading up to watch the boys go round for sure,’ he said.

Given the torrential rain of recent days, the condition of the ground was a credit to local ground staff.

The players now head to South Ballina beach for a much needed soak in the sea followed by an outdoor weights session. After that, the players will break into groups and attend local schools to spread the word about the club and the game.