THE GWS Giants Academy's development program continues to go from strength to strength on the South Coast, highlighted by the recent drafting of Tathra's Tarni Evans to the AFLW.
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Having been on the South Coast since 2013, the program, in partnership with AFL ACT/NSW, provides a pathway for talented juniors to be identified, nurtured and developed into elite players.
"The Giants Academy and development programs are designed as elite training methods for the advancement of youth age athletes in Australian Rules football," GWS Giants head of academies Jason Saddington said.
"Allowing the developing elite to train together in such an environment further enhances their growth as local talent."
"In 2021, we will see games in the April and July school holidays, which will include the ACT and South Coast playing teams from the Western Sydney region," Saddington said.
"Training sessions are once a week in their local region from the start of term two through to mid-term three, with each group be involved in approximately 15 sessions."
The program, which currently involves Pambula's Will Kellar, Ulladulla's Brayden Aitkins, Bomaderry's Evan Larkins (all under 16s), Bomaderry's Fergus Priest (under 17s) and Ulladulla's Gaige Saunders (under 18s), is open to any players aged between 12-15.
"In 2021, the Giants development program is introducing under 12s to the male program and females in all age groups (12 to 15)," Saddington said.
"We have introduced girls this year as they now have the same opportunity as the boys to be drafted into the AFL and AFLW.
"Players development will be primarily based around the fundamental skills of kicking, handballing and marking in both the technique and decision making aspects.
"Starting at under 12s provides greater opportunity for our talented youth to master the skills required for AFL football."
Trials to be involved in this year's program will be held on Wednesday, March 24 from 6pm at the Nowra Showground, Berrambool Oval and Hanging Rock Oval - with the latter hosting an induction for successful athletes the following week.