During Term 2, we profile each of the secondary schools offering AFL Excellence in Queensland. What do the students get up to in class? What are the highlights of the program? Who’s their greatest rival? This week Palm Beach Currumbin State High is in the spotlight.
PALM BEACH CURRUMBIN STATE HIGH SCHOOL:
Location: Currumbin, Gold Coast
Students in AFL program: 90
Year AFL became an Excellence option: 1996
Final ladder position 2012: Juniors: 1st Seniors: 3rd
Greatest Rival: Helensvale SHS, Gold Coast
Staff who run AFL at Palm Beach Currumbin SHS:
Neil Mackay, Jason Jeffrey, Peter Hill, Chad Owens, Tim McMahon, Ben Opie
Number of AFL classes per week:
3 x 70 minute + 90 minute lesson for Yr. 10 – 12
2 x 70 minute + 90 minute lesson for Yr 8 & 9
What is a focus for your program in 2013?
Our focus every year is to attract the best junior AFL players from Northern NSW and the Gold Coast by offering an innovative program which provides opportunities for players they cannot access elsewhere. We endeavour to have players take the next step up the talent pathway.
What makes your AFL program unique to your community?
We have the best resourced development program employing the most experienced staff.
What is the highlight of your program?
The quality of players and people we continue to attract.
What do you and the students get out of the program the most?
The coaches get access to the players for over 280 minutes per week so we get a real chance to make a difference to their development. Students have access to a program which includes football development, strength and conditioning, yoga, sports psychology, biomechanical analysis etc.
Who do you and your staff support in the AFL?
Neil Mackay – Carlton, Brisbane or is it the Suns? Peter Hill – Melbourne. Jason Jeffrey – Carlton, Suns. Chad Owens – Carlton. Ben Opie – Brisbane. Tim McMahon – Carlton.
What is the greatest achievement of your schools’ program?
The continued achievements of the U14 groups winning the AFL Northern States Cup (three years in a row) defeating the best school teams from New South Wales/ACT and the Northern Territory.
What is a personal highlight for you?
To watch the development of Dayne Beams as a person and a player through the program and beyond.
Name one of the positive outcomes from the program?
Marc Lock’s perseverance to become the Gold Coast Football Club’s foundation captain.
Successful graduates from your program?
Players to play AFL include: Dayne Beams – Collingwood premiership player. Sam Gilbert – St. Kilda. Marc Lock – GCFC inaugural captain. Joel Wilkinson – Gold Coast Suns. Tate Day – Brisbane Lions. Claye Beams – Brisbane Lions
