With the successful introduction of a Multicultural Engagement Strategy this season AFL Goulburn Murray is developing an U15 All Nations squad and training program for eligible athletes.
The Academy, to run alongside the parallel Kickstart Indigenous Squad will train over the next five months and will culminate in the selection of five footballers from each of the two Squads to represent the Goulburn Murray in their respective State Camps to be held in Melbourne in March 2015.
AFL Goulburn Murray Football Development Manager Mark Lambourn is excited at this new initiative. “This Academy will provide an opportunity for the selected players to receive more personalised coaching to help with their progress” he said.
“The All Nations and Kickstart Indigenous teams will play in National Carnivals in April 2015 and the opportunity to represent their region firstly and then Victoria will ensure that players are striving to excel.”
“The players selected in the U15 Squad will be added to with other eligible players up to 19 years of age to form an ongoing Academy program through the 2015 season.”
AFL Goulburn Murray Operations Officer Nathan Turner will manage the program and sees the Academy as a great development tool for multicultural and indigenous communities. “A nominated squad of 20 players has been identified to commence the program” he noted “a come and try session is being held for both squads at 5pm at Kialla Park Recreation Reserve on Tuesday 21 October as another opportunity for eligible players to come along and be involved.”
“Following the selection of the two squads a number of sessions will be held prior to Christmas in November and December with further sessions to be held in January and February.”
For players to be eligible for the All Nations program, they must fill the following criterion:
- Be born overseas from a non English speaking background
- Be from an emerging community
- Be under the age of 15 as at 1 January 2015
Last Modified on 18/12/2014 10:03