Footy worth the Waite

ABOUT 40 local Torquay under 16 and 18 players were treated to the launch of the 2016 Torquay FC Academy program on Wednesday January 27.

North Melbourne star Jarrad Waite took the kids for a specialist training session at Spring Creek Reserve as part of the launch.

Waite was assisted by newly appointed Colts (under 18s) coach Stuart Hill, David Morgan and assistant Brad Molloy, along with under 16s Papworth coach Tim Carty and Tyler Lovell.

The future Torquay Tiger stars were put through their paces and trained exclusively with Waite, working on their skills and fitness, implementing drills straight out of the AFL system.

The group then had an opportunity to ask Waite about his career path, his favourite position and toughest opponent.

Waite was impressed with the quality of kids and strength of the Torquay junior program.

He has a strong affiliation with the Surf Coast, with his mum – who is based locally – his personal North Melbourne local business sponsor Nelson Financial and his passion for surfing.

The Torquay Football Club will be aiming to provide other opportunities throughout 2016 and beyond to participate in these unique experiences to encourage junior players to continue on with their football development and journey at the the Waite Torquay Football Club.

Tigers football operations Manger Kieran O’Dwyer said the club wanted “to build a club that offers our local talent the best opportunity to improve as footballer and young men, by offering a great sporting club environment through outstanding facilities, coaching, support and experience – like tonight with Jarrad Waite”.

Colts and Senior preseason has begun, with under 16s also getting underway this week on Monday. See torquaytigers.com for further information.