Tuesday 16th December, 2014
AFL Queensland Darling Downs today official released one part of the re-structured talent program, with changes released about the Darling Downs Crows development program.
The Darling Downs Crows for the past 3 years have operated as an Under 14 development program for the regions talented players.
From 2015 onwards, the program will cater for 15 years and under boys, instead of the even age group of Under 14's.
AFL Queensland Regional Manager Keith Webb spoke to DarlingDowns.AFLQ.com.au and put the age group change down to one simple fact.
"As the AFL Darling Downs have decided to stay with even age groups for season 2015, the move to 15 years and under for our Crows program will mean that the players used will be spread across two different age groups," Webb said.
"Previously, matching the Crows with the AFLDD system, the players on our list have come from one age group only, putting a burden on local clubs, especially with fixture clashes, injuries.
"Re-structuring to have the age now 15 years and under, will ease the pressure on clubs, losing too many players at one time," Webb added.
The Darling Downs Crows will continue as a development program but will be ramped up to focus more on high performance programs that focus heavily with player on and off-field development.
"Moving the age bracket back one year to Under 15's, in turn this will foster high level of development for an extra year in the Darling Downs system," Regional Manager Webb said of the positives for players.
"We will look to appoint a paid high performance head coach, that will look after the program, including game day coaching, individual player development on and off-field, among other tasks.
"This position will be unique," Webb said.
Regional Manager for the Darling Downs Keith Webb said the position of Darling Downs High Performance Coach will be advertised in early 2015.
"The position will be advertised early next year and we will aim to get the very best possible candidate available, the appointment will hopefully be finalised by mid-February," Webb said of the new talent position within the region.
Webb also added that another age group may be added in the next one to two seasons to the Talent pathway in the region.
"Over next few years, we may look at the possibility of adding an Under 13 age group to help develop and foster the regions talented players at an earlier age."
With junior footy across the Darling Downs to be played Saturday mornings and early afternoons, local club football won't clash with the AFL Brisbane Juniors proposed Under 15 time-slot of Sunday afternoons.
Last Modified on 28/06/2016 12:30
