Summer might be just around the corner, but that doesn’t mean the opportunity for the youngsters to polish up on their skills isn’t there.
The Western Magpies will be hosting a Summer Skills Program every Friday night from November 11 to December 9.
Open to players 12-18 from all clubs, the program will focus on core skills development such as kicking technique, pressure skill development and defensive skills.
Academy members won’t just be getting advice from anyone, with an extremely experienced coaching group on board this year.
Leading the crew is current Western Magpies Senior Assistant Quentin Johnson, who has been involved in coaching since 1989. Joining him this year will be current Brisbane Lions NEAFL assistant, Paul Grentell, 2016 Sydney Swans Talent Scout, Pat Garner, current Under 17 Sherwood coach and 250 game Western Magpies player Reid Dobson as well as a heap of Western Magpies senior players.
Western Magpies Football Director, Peter McClennan, says that this program is a fantastic opportunity for kids to be exposed to high level coaching.
“With the likes of Paul, Patty, and these type of people who have a lot of experience, for them to offer their time like they have over the last couple of years to spend time with these youngsters is a really great thing, the kids are really lucky,” McClennan said.
“It’s really about offering quality coaches to all in the area, so they can teach and develop their skills. Just because there are no games at the moment doesn’t mean we can’t be learning and improving.”
Even though the program is run by the Western Magpies, it doesn’t mean that it’s only open to Sherwood juniors. It’s an opportunity for anyone from anywhere to try and improve.
“The trend over the last couple of years is that it has attracted players from right around the region. A lot of players who play at schools are interested as well, so it plays a roll in the community and enables people to gain that exposure to this level of coaching as we look forward to next season,” he said.
“The whole pupose of this is to help teach and improve our younger players coming through the system, whether they are Sherwood juniors or not. It is an investment all round for the Western Magpies.”
The cost is $75.00 per player, which includes a coaching program, singlet and water bottle.
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By Andrew Wiles
Follow @andrewjwiles
