We have had 34 boys (from an original list of 51) attend training with an average of 21 per Monday and Wed night. I am projecting another 3 boys on top of the 34 who have trained already to play under 19 Football this year bringing it to 37 players in total. I was hopeful that we may enter another side but it appears we don’t have the numbers at this stage.
Training has been conducted over 3 nights with the Senior teams since Mid January and I have been impressed with the attendance and enthusiasm of the Under 19 boys but more importantly the way they have all gone about their training which at times has been very intense. I am very confidant that our fitness levels will be at the right levels when we start the season proper which augers well for a good year.
In saying this I am pleased to announce our support staff for Season 2008.
Assistant Coach: Simon Walsh – Simon has played over 190 senior games of Amateur football with a number of clubs namely St Bernard’s, Old Melbournians and North Old Boys. He has a wealth of experience and will be an excellent mentor to the boys in many other ways.
Team Manager: Michael Stubbe – Michael has been most generous to give up his time to support the boys on game day. Michael also has an abundance of experience in this capacity as he has managed a number of successful junior teams in the past.
Runner: Mike Holland – Mike will be an invaluable asset on game day to both Simon and I with his first hand knowledge of the boys. He has the respect of all his mates and I look forward to working with him closely.
It is also my intention to have a trainer attend all matches to ensure the boys are fully supported on game days. Further to this all home games will be played at the Junction Oval and not oval number 1 as in the past. Please note that we may play some night games on a Friday – watch this space.
I am also keen to set up an Under 19 sub committee (made up of parents). Its main purpose is to be a resource for the Under 19’s as well as a social committee for both the parents and players to help all to embrace the club further. This will happen over the next few weeks and I am sure this will have long term benefits for those involved. I welcome any interest at this stage from parents who wish to be apart of the committee. My contact details fdunell@blitztelecom.com.au or 0434-430916
On the matter of key dates over the next 6 weeks: The following has been confirmed:
15th of March – 16th of March: Camp @ Phillip Island
18th of March: MGS at Flack Park
29th of March: Ajax at Sandringham
2nd of April: Season launch at Powerhouse Function Centre (James Hird guest speaker)
5th of April: Old Scotch at Camberwell
12th of April: First match (pre season draw available early March)
More detail will be provided as we approach the specific event and if by any chance the above details change in anyway we will inform you.
Look forward to seeing you all throughout the year.
Kind RegardsFrank Dunell
Under 19 Coach
