AFL Goldfields is thrilled to announce the launch of the AFL Goldfields McDonald’s Junior Academy, which will commence in December 2014.
AFL Goldfields will be inviting 40 of the most promising footballers across the region in each age group from Under 12’s to Under 15’s, with clubs across the Ballarat Football Netball League juniors, the Central Highlands Football League and the Maryborough Castlemaine District Football Netball League asked to nominate players they think will benefit from this advanced training.
AFL Goldfields will soon announce a Head Coach who will oversee the McDonald’s Junior Academy and each age group will also have a Coach, along with several assistants from within all Leagues involved with at least 4 coaches working with each group of boys.
In announcing the details of the Academy, AFL Goldfields Regional General Manager Rod Ward mentioned that the purpose behind its launch was to help lift the standard of junior footballers in the Goldfields region.
“The main aim of the program will be to work on the continued development of the players skills in all areas of the game as well as developing leadership behaviours for those involved”, Ward said.
“It is hoped and expected that the AFL Goldfields McDonalds Academy will “fast track” the development of our leading kids, and ultimately see more kids from within our region progress into the Rebels, Jets, Cannons and Pioneers program.”
The McDonald’s Junior Academy will run for 3 weeks in December with a break for Christmas and will finish off with sessions throughout February for those who gain selection. Venues are still to be confirmed, however it is anticipated that Under 12's and 13's training on a Tuesday evening and the Under 14's and 15's training on a Friday evening.
There will also be the opportunity for a few of the region’s most promising junior female footballers to further develop their football skills as well. These girls will be sourced from the Rebels Youth Girls State Academy and the AFL Goldfields Girls Futures Squad to be developed in 2014 – 2015.
Ward credits St Patrick’s College Head coach Howard Clark for the idea behind the McDonald’s Junior Academy, working off a similar model Clark has developed for St Patrick’s College.
“This Academy was the brainchild of Howard Clark, who has overseen a St Pats Academy in recent years”, Ward mentioned.
“Howard’s proven record of developing Junior footballers is second to none, and it was Howard’s suggestion that the Academy model could be successful on a regional level, and we are thrilled to see its inception”.
“We are also delighted that Howard will be involved and will oversee the delivery of “values and leadership” programs to the Academy participants”.
All clubs in AFL Goldfields affiliated leagues have been informed of the nomination process, with nominations due to be returned by Friday 19th September. Any queries regarding the AFL Goldfields McDonald’s Junior Academy should be forwarded to AFL Goldfields Football Development Manager Brett Anderson at brett.anderson@aflvic.com.au
Last Modified on 05/09/2014 15:38