Youth footballers in the Goulburn Murray region are set to receive a boost with the establishment of a new Development Academy in 2016.
The Academy, an initiative of AFL Goulburn Murray, will focus on four key areas:
- providing a quality based player development program to support the region’s interleague teams
- providing a ‘program’ focus to interleague preparations
- increasing playing standards and competencies at club level
- streamlining the coaching process and develop a coaching pathway alongside the playing pathway
AFL Goulburn Murray Region General Manager sees the Academy as filling an identified need.
"The U15 VLine Cup Schoolboys competition is now run in September and this has forced a change in the planning and selection processes for this important competition" he said.
"Feedback is also being received from the TAC Cup system that many players entering senior football need extra work on their basic skills to ensure they have the best opportunities to progress locally and/or into the elite system."
"Furthermore, at club level the expectations of volunteer parents on junior coaches to provide the right development environment is continuing to increase and the Academy will assist players and ultimately coaches in supplying appropriate coaching activities at each age group."
"We are also very keen to increase the profile and status of junior interleague football and the Academy will use interleague as the key selection tool for each age group and the Academy will assist in the education and development of interleague coaches."
AFL Goulburn Murray Football Development Manager Trevor Mellington will manage the Academy and is looking forward to working with coaches and players alike.
"Club football is the cornerstone of junior football" he said.
"The aim of the Academy is to ‘connect’ the pathway in a more coordinated manner and to provide a structured and focused development program for the selected participants and coaches."
"The program will consist of 10-12 sessions overall at each age group with a focus on skill development, game sense and personal growth."
"Due to the geographical distance across the region two training centres will be set up, one in Shepparton and the other one in Echuca."
"The program will commence in February and be completed during the mid year school holidays with the U15 VLine program taking the mantle from July to September."
"Sessions won’t conflict with club training with the Academy going into recess leading into Interleague to allow players to focus on representing their League in the best way possible."
"There will also be match play opportunities against similar Academies in other regions."
"An important component in the overall program will also be the connections and involvement of both the Bendigo Pioneers and Murray Bushrangers TAC Cup programs to help guide content and philosophy."
"A selection meeting involving the region’s U13 and U14 coaches will be held at the end of the month to put together the initial squads and we are also seeking applications for two coaching and two assistant coach positions."
"Overall, this is an exciting addition to the football community and I am looking forward to a high service level being provided to Academy participants."
Last Modified on 20/11/2015 14:17