AFL North Coast’s top junior players will now have a better avenue and opportunity to make big-time footy such as the AFL or VFL competitions, thanks to a partnership between the QBE Sydney Swans Academy and AFL North Coast.

The partnership will see the North West, North Coast Force, and Northern Heat rep programs co-branded with the Swans Academy, allowing a greater number of development opportunities for talented and committed players.

This partnership will provide a clear process for high performing players in the region to be selected to attend Sydney metro sessions for potential selection in higher level Swans Academy programs.

Community Football and Competition Manager ‑ Northern NSW, Paul Taylor explained the significance of the partnership with the Sydney Swans Academy.

“This means opportunities for more local players to be included in the pathway and train in the region, whilst also having the chance to be identified to go further in terms of NAB League with the Swans, National Championships, and even to the Draft and AFL recruitment,” he said.

“This is especially important in the North West region where no opportunity has previously existed.

“Last week’s announcement of Sunday footy for juniors and the introduction of a Youth Girls competition means more kids of both genders can play club footy than ever before, and this announcement means they can go as far in the sport as their talent and commitment will take them.”

Taylor said that the partnership with the Swans would be a real boost for the local representative programs.

“Both North West and North Coast will field teams in the Under 13, Under 15, Under 17, and Youth Girls age groups, and all of these players will now be under the tutelage of Sydney Swans supported coaches who can recommend them for further opportunities,” he said.

“The North Coast has had a local Swans Academy program for many years where the participant numbers were limited.

“There are now significantly more opportunities for players to be identified and to proceed along the pathway.

“The North West has never had a structured opportunity like this before for players to go further in the game.

“With Junior club footy moving to Sundays, a Youth Girls competition starting, and now a pathway to the Sydney Swans, there’s never been a better chance to find the next Sam Naismith.”

Local representative coaches will have access to coaching programs and resources that have been developed by the Sydney Swans AFL personnel for use in the delivery of the representative programs.

Head of the QBE Sydney Swans Academy, Chris Smith, is thrilled by the prospect of unearthing talent in Northern NSW.

“It’s an exciting development for the Swans Academy,” he said.

“This allows us a broader reach into regions that have talented juniors across numerous sports.

“Those juniors now have an opportunity to showcase their talent, as well as their commitment and focus towards being the best AFL player they can be.

“Top performing players will now have a clear pathway towards Northern Heat selection, Academy, and ultimately, the National Championships.”

Trials for the North West representative teams and North Coast Force will be staged in March.

Players selected in the programs will have the chance to compete at carnivals during the footy season.

 

By Aiden BURGESS