Comet Bay College is expanding its Australian Football Specialist Program to add all-girl teams in 2022.
The College will be the only school in Western Australia to provide an elite, specialist football training program of its type to both girls and boys.
Program coordinator Stephen Thomson said the College was proud to be giving girls an opportunity to receive training at the highest standard with quality assurance.
“The growing popularity of AFLW has fuelled a greater interest for girls to not only want to play football, but to play at a highly competitive level,” he said.
“For 16 years, we have delivered the elite Australian Football Specialist Program for boys that has been described by the Western Australian Football Commission as the ‘benchmark’ for school specialist programs.
“We have produced a host of WAFL and State players, and four of our graduates have been drafted into the AFL system – Fremantle Dockers Nathan Wilson and Jarvis Pina, Western Bulldog Brad Lynch and Gold Coast Sun’s Josh Schoenfeld.
“By expanding our program to include all-girl teams, we’re confident we will be working with some of the future stars of the AFLW.”
Girls in the program will benefit from the College’s partnership with the WAFC and be exposed to specialist coaching and mentoring from their idols at the Fremantle Dockers and Peel Thunder.
They will study and practice offensive and defensive skills, advanced strategies and tactics, and train at the College's state-of-the-art facilities for four hours a week as a specific learning area subject, plus attend a number of camps and football tours.
“We’re got three highly-trained and dedicated coaches in Sam Mainwaring, Matthew Piggott and Cassie Smedley, who will guide the students through their studies and help refine their skills, tactics and encourage their passion," Program coordinator Stephen Thomson added.
“Sam will bring his talent and enthusiasm to lead the program in 2022.
“Our partnerships with the Fremantle Dockers and Peel Thunder are vital and give our students exposure to professional players and environments, and enables them to see first-hand the dedication and drive needed to reach their goals.”
Entry into the program is based on ability and not limited to the College’s local intake area.
Further information on the trials registration process for the 2022 program will be available on the College's website soon.
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