AFL General Manager of Development David Matthews said the decision was guided by the success of the Gold Coast FC in the TAC Cup competition this season. “To enter and develop a team of talented youngsters has been beneficial for the Gold Coast Football Club in terms of fast-tracking talent and developing a base culture from which to build upon,” Mr Matthews said
“We think that such a pathway will also play a vital role in the Team GWS campaign.”
Peter Schwab, CEO of AFL Victoria said that the TAC Cup competition has proven over the past 18 years that it is the premier underage competion in the nation and looks forward to providing Team GWS with a standard of competition that will prepare their players for the career path that lays ahead.
Team GWS High Performance Manager Alan McConnell will coach the team in 2010. McConnell recently commenced work with Team GWS after serving for five years as the AIS/AFL Academy High Performance Coach. He is currently developing Academy and talent strategies to support the recruitment of players from across NSW and the ACT and based on the preliminary local components of the List Establishment rules recently approved by the AFL Commission.
McConnell said the team in the TAC Cup would provide an excellent pathway for NSW and ACT talented players. “We want to work with and fast-track those players currently in the pathway, but we will also be working to identify new talent for the game,” McConnell said.
Dale Holmes, CEO AFL NSW said “Alan has an outstanding record in developing elite talent and is the best person to work the regions, develop partnerships and prepare the young players as that club builds towards its ultimate goal of gaining a license and joining the AFL competition.”
The TAC Cup has had NSW representation previously when the NSW ACT/Rams (1996 - 2002) competed along with the Tassie Mariners as State representative teams,
Last Modified on 06/10/2009 10:47
