To build on the outstanding work at U14 and U15 in its inaugural year AFL Goulburn Murray has selected its U13 coaches who will head up the new age group in its Youth Development Academy program for 2017.
Similar to the U14 and U15 programs the U13s will consist of two training bases, one in Echuca and the other in Shepparton, with the selection process of players already underway.
AFL Goulburn Murray Football Development Manager Trevor Mellington noted the quality of coaches who put their hand up to be involved at this important developmental age group.
"Once again we have been able to appoint an outstanding panel of coaches who will be charged with the responsibility of driving development for our elite junior players in the region" he said.
"Given the overwhelmingly positive feedback we have received from both parents and players from the 2016 program, it is a natural progression to add an U13 group for 2017."
"An equally important aspect of the Academy program is that all players return to their home clubs with the benefit of an elite training program that has a holistic approach to their development."
"This now means we will have a structured development pathway for talented young players to compliment their club training from U13 through to U15."
"The Shepparton based squad will be coached by Phil Guthrie, Jamie Atkinson and Damien Saxon, whilst Dylan Cuttriss and Todd Woodfine will take charge of the Echuca based squad."
"Phil Guthrie brings recent SDJFL interleague as well as VLine Cup coaching experience to his role. Jamie Atkinson is a current U14 Coach in the MFL and Damien Saxon provides a strong link to the Southern part of the region as well as the benefit of his premiership coaching experience with Euroa."
"Both Woodfine and Cuttriss are qualified Physical Education teachers with experience and a strong motivating drive to work with young people outside of the classroom environment."
"We are really excited with the Academy’s full coaching panel now in place for next year and we will continue to work on developing the next generation of quality citizens, leaders and footballers."
Last Modified on 09/08/2016 12:05