Football
2 December, 2024
Wimmera Mallee under-15 Academy ready for action
On Sunday, December 1, at Coughlin Park, the Wimmera Mallee under-15 academy held its first session. Approximately 50 kids from the Horsham District Football Netball League and Wimmera Football Netball League were present for an introductory and basic skills session.
Coach Stuart Farr explained the session on Sunday.
"It was a basic skills session and gave the kids an understanding of the modern game style and what is expected at the next level," Farr said.
"They are learning to train with the right intensity and work ethic and be good team-mates.
"They nailed the expectations, and credit to them for grasping it."
Farr said it is an excellent opportunity for kids to be their best.
"It's an opportunity to get to the V/Line cup for the Rebels for the under-15s held in the September school holidays," Farr said.
"Training with the best kids and learning good habits on and off the field gives them that opportunity to be the best they can be.
"We had seven players make it to the cup, and we aim to get to double figures next year. There is enough talent there if the kids are prepared to work hard.
"Going on what I saw on Sunday, they loved it and pushed hard, and there's ability there.
"They loved the session, and the positive feedback from the parents and kids was overwhelming. The goal is to make it better each year, and we are on the right track.
"We want to get our fair share into the Rebels program moving forward, and it starts at this early stage."
The next sessions will run when school returns at the end of January. Farr said they have programs to work on.
"We have given them a running program and are trying to make it more professional each year," Farr said.
"We will have sessions on a Sunday when they return, and on Saturday, March 22, at Hopetoun, we have a trial game against the Sunraysia League where everyone will get a go.
"We will continue to train on Sundays ahead of matches against Ballarat and Warrnambool and hopefully have a few players selected for the V/Line cup in September.
"Ballarat and Warrnambool are premier regions that are a cut above us, so we want to be competitive, knock them off, and become a premier region."