Initial squads have been announced for the upcoming Under-18 NAB National Championships to be held in Sydney and Melbourne in June and July.
AFL Sydney and AFL NSW/ACT would like to congratulate the following players for their selection in the initial U16 NSW/ACT RAMS squad to contest the NSW/ACT U18 squad for the 2013 NAB National U18 Championships.
The selected players will head into camp this weekend in Albury, with the first round of competition to be played in early June for the U18s.
The majority of players within the NSW/ACT Joss Talent program have finessed their football talents in the lead-in to Nationals at their respective AFL Club Academies. Both the Swans Academy and GIANTS Academy began the 2013 campaigns in early November, culminating in a recent two game series between the two.
With a number of eligible players also busy participating with clubs, selectors have travelled far and wide to ensure the selection of the best talent NSW/ACT has to offer.
RAMS Under-18 Head Coach Jason Saddington said he is excited about the challenge of a national tournament.
“We are extremely fortunate to have our players routinely involved in high level programs such as TAC Cup and Swans and GIANTS Academy programs. The expertise of coaches within these programs allows our players to progressively develop their football skills, and more importantly their game awareness,” he said.
“The National Championships present a fantastic opportunity for our players to test their abilities against the best in the land, and we believe many have the attributes to stand up, be super competitive and turn heads. We have fantastic resources on hand and aim to maximise the learning opportunity for all squad members through a challenging, enjoyable and rewarding environment.”
The NSW/ACT RAMS are set to face Division One teams South Australia and Vic Metro before they contest the Division Two trophy against the Northern Territory, Tasmania and Queensland. The NAB National Championships are widely regarded as the starting point for future AFL footballers to begin their elite careers.
To view the Under-18 squad please click here.
Key Dates for U18 RAMS
May 16-19 – Camp in Albury including TAC Cup Match v Murray Bushrangers
May 23-26 – Camp in Coffs Harbour
June 1 – ROUND 1v SA in Sydney
June 9 – ROUND 2 v Vic Metro in Melbourne
June 22 – ROUND 3v NT in Sydney
June 29 – ROUND 4 v TASMANIA in Melbourne
July 4 – ROUND 5 v QUEENSLAND in Melbourne
Last Modified on 14/05/2013 11:42
