After a busy year of watching club, school, regional, state and national games of football the initial Lions Academy squad for has been finalized for boys aged 12-14 this year (turning 13 – 15 in 2011). Boys aged 15 this year (turning 16 in 2011) are still being reviewed and will be finalised by the end of the month.
A number of factors were taken into consideration when selecting the squad including fitness level, skill level, and game knowledge. Feedback was also sought from various coaches and AFLQ development managers on player’s attitude at training and in games, commitment and general behavior.
All players selected will be required to attend an orientation session with their parents / guardians later this month at the GABBA with details to be confirmed shortly. Training sessions will commence early December in before breaking over Christmas – New Year period.
It should be noted that Players can enter, exit and re-enter the Lions Academy at any stage depending on a player’s attitude, commitment, improvment and development.
Selection should not be taken for granted but seen as a great opportunity to further develop your football and personal development. All players in the Academy program are reviewed annually before deciding on which players will continue on the following year.
For those boys who have missed out on selection we encourage you to seek feedback from your club, regional coaches and AFLQ development managers so that you can continue to work hard on all areas of your game and continue to put yourself up for selection at club, regional and state level football.
It should be also noted that players are not selected on what club they play at, but rather their performances in games, attitude on and off the field and their willingness to learn. In line with the AFL Queensland policy of junior player’s changing clubs, the Lions Academy does not encourage player's changing clubs in the belief that it will help their selection in representative teams. We do encourage players staying at their existing club and possibly playing up one age group in order to be challenged and further improve their football.
Last Modified on 29/11/2010 12:29
