The Tigers' AFL community camp is the first of its type in the twin cities for a decade with St Kilda the most recent club to visit.

Stars Trent Cotchin, Dustin Martin, Brett Deledio and former Howlong junior Anthony Miles joined team-mates at a civic reception hosted by Albury mayor Henk van de Ven and Wodonga mayor Anna Speedie at the Albury Entertainment Centre on Tuesday to officially kick-off the two-day visit.

Richmond players conducted a clinic for an estimated 400 schoolchildren at the Albury Sportsground before backing up for a training run and another clinic in Wodonga on Wednesday.

“Today will be great to get amongst 400 or so kids,” Cotchin said.

“It's a great opportunity to give back to grassroots footy.

“It's a real growth area up here.”

Richmond played a pre-season match against Port Adelaide at Lavington Oval last year.

Cr van de Ven welcomed the Tigers to Albury-Wodonga where AFL had plenty of competition for talented athletes.

“Both councils are fully aware of how big a part AFL plays in this community,” he said.

“We have a lot of sporting facilities here and cater for every other winter sport, soccer, rugby league, rugby union, hockey.

“But we still believe AFL is the dominant sport in the area and that is why we are so pleased to see them here.

“It is fantastic for junior development to see these guys up close.”

Cr van de Ven is a Melbourne supporter.

AFL North-East Border regional manager John O'Donohue acknowledged the challenges facing the code. “We have got competing sports up here that may not be as relevant as other areas of the state, particularly in Melbourne,” he said.

“Part of our strategy is to engage families in the game.

“It is great to have the guys here.”