Torquay school holiday clinic with Cats stars

AFL talent is heading to the Surf Coast this school holidays, with Coachedd bringing its fast-growing junior football clinic to Torquay.

Run by Melbourne forward Jake Melksham, the program has quickly built momentum across the country, with more than 1500 children taking part in camps last year alone.

Now, local families will get their chance when the clinic arrives at Surf Coast Suns FC on Monday April 13 and Tuesday April 14.

The biggest drawcard for the Torquay camp is the presence of two Geelong Cats, with rising star Ollie Dempsey attending on Monday and creative forward Gryan Miers set to feature on Tuesday.

Melksham said the clinics are designed to give kids a fun and engaging introduction to football while building their skills ahead of the junior season.

“We’ve designed a school holiday program for kids aged five to 12 to come down and take part in a one or two day camp,” he said.

“It’s about learning the basics and fundamentals of footy but also having a lot of fun as well.”

Sessions run from 9am to 3pm across both days, offering a full schedule of activities that combine structured coaching with game-based learning.

Melksham said having current AFL players involved added a unique element to the experience, particularly for young fans on the Surf Coast.

“It’s really exciting to have Ollie Dempsey and Gryan Miers involved in the Torquay camp,” he said.

“For local kids to meet those guys and learn from them up close is something pretty special.”

The timing also aligns with the start of the junior football season, giving participants a chance to build confidence and sharpen their skills before round one.

“As a father of three young kids myself, I know what school holidays are like and how you’ve got to find something to entertain the kids with every day,” Melksham said.

Participants can attend for one day at $120 or both days for $180, with registrations now open via the Coachedd website.

For more information or to book, visit coachedd.com.au.

With AFL stars, a coastal setting and a focus on fun and development, the Torquay clinic is expected to draw strong interest from across the region.