AFL North Coast’s top junior representative program is preparing to launch into 2022, as the North Coast Force head into the new rep season with the support of the QBE Sydney Swans Academy.

Nominations are now open for all players wanting to be involved in the North Coast Force representative program which also doubles as the first step in the Sydney Swans Academy talent pathway.

Trials for this year’s North Coast Force teams will be held on Sunday, 6 March, and Sunday, 27 March at Richardson Park in Sawtell.

Players will be selected for the Force’s under 13s, 15s, and 17s teams, as well as the Youth Girls (under 17s) squad.

The Force will also look to add a Youth Girls under 13s representative team for the first time once the season gets underway.

The North Coast Force teams will represent their region at both the Hunter carnival in June and the Coffs Harbour carnival in July.

Players need only attend one trial session, but those that choose to attend both will have double the opportunity to impress selectors.

The trials are open to any player within the age groups that will play with an AFL North Coast club in 2022.

The North Coast Force recently partnered with the Sydney Swans Academy, a link which Community Football Manager Paul Taylor said was an exciting incentive for players to be involved.

“For the first time this year, players in the North Coast Force rep program will have the chance to impress the coaches and be invited to Swans Academy sessions in Sydney,” he said.

“The Force can now set players on the path to National Championships, NAB League, and the National Draft.

“The program will focus on both individual development where the aim is to help athletes be the best player they can be, and teamwork in preparation for the rep carnivals.

“Half the training sessions will be delivered in smaller groups that will be run in multiple locations across the region, whilst the teams will come together for the remaining sessions and build up their cohesion and game style.”

Taylor highlighted the fact that the North Coast Force had helped develop players for big-time footy.

“In recent years, our league has produced three female players that have been drafted by AFLW clubs, and two male players that have linked with AFL teams,” he said.

“Our program is now uniquely placed to be actively involved in the search and development of the next wave of locals to make it to the elite levels of the game.”

 

By Aiden BURGESS