SANFL News
17 Feb 2016
NORWOOD’S EYRE PENINSULA ACADEMY
By ZAC MILBANK | Twitter @zacmilbank
Norwood is fostering its links in its country zone through the establishment of an Eyre Peninsula Academy led by its coaching panel.
Throughout this pre-season, the Redlegs have visited key EP centres such as Port Lincoln, Wudinna, Ceduna and Cleve to guide the most talented teenagers in the region.
Speaking on SANFL Radio, Norwood talent manager Robbie Neill said the club’s Eyre Peninsula Academy had been well received by everyone in the local community, including the clubs, leagues, players and parents.
At each Academy session, Norwood senior coach Ben Warren is joined by Coaching Director Jarrod Cotton and Neill, who is also coaching the club’s Under-18 Macca’s Cup side this year.
Between them, they educate the prospective Redlegs recruits about the gamestyle and terminology used to make the transition smooth should they progress to The Parade. This guidance is also designed to also improve their development within their local clubs on the Eyre Peninsula.
Already, one Academy member – Alex Villis – has commenced training with Norwood’s senior squad to good effect, regularly finishing at the front of the group for running time-trials.
‘’Being given the responsibility by the SANFL to provide the elite player pathway to the players of the Eyre Peninsula was perhaps one of the biggest challenges faced by the Norwood Football Club in its existence,’’ Neill said.
‘’Rich in Port Adelaide history, the Eyre Peninsula provided the Magpies and AFL clubs with some amazing football talent over the decades.
‘’The question that has most often been asked to me over the last 18 months has been: ‘How have you been treated over there?’
‘’I can honestly say the leagues, administrators, local media, clubs, junior coaches, players and parents have been outstanding in their support for our program operating in the region.
‘’SACFL Development Coordinator, Andrew Taheny, has been a vital resource in providing the connection between the Norwood Football Club and its key stakeholders on the Eyre Peninsula.’’
Taheny said Norwood’s presence through the Eyre Peninsula Academy had not only been of benefit to players in the region.
‘’The Norwood Eyre Peninsula Academy continues to overcome isolation to provide opportunities for talented footballers throughout the Eyre Peninsula region,’’ Taheny said.
‘’To have the quality and experience of coaching staff in Robbie Neill, Ben Warren and Jarrod Cotton regularly working with the players is second to none.
‘’Not only are they passionate about developing talent, they are also spending valuable time in the local communities mentoring coaches and volunteers.’’
Warren said it was important develop relationships with everyone involved in football on the Eyre Peninsula, with the locals relishing the chance to rub shoulders with an SANFL Premiership coach.
“We certainly knew there would be some logistical challenges for our football club to cultivate the best talent on the Eyre Peninsula,’’ Warren said.
‘’We have been able to form a strong relationship with EP Livestock & Real Estate and CPH Accountants whom have both been fantastic in providing support for our new Eyre Peninsula Academy.
‘’The commitment from the players and parents to get to each Academy session has been outstanding.’’
Last Modified on 17/02/2016 22:21