Kids can kick ahead next term

PROFESSIONAL football coach Craig McCaughan has created a program to help the next generation of budding footballers reach their full potential.

The level two qualified coach currently working with the AFL Barwon Next Gen said having coached Torquay and Grovedale seniors, he noticed a gap in the market for kids having to wait for months to play once the season finished.

“I thought there was a bit of a gap in the market with kids wanting to improve their skills and skill development, particularly kids that play locally but can’t train until March,” he said.

“With my knowledge within the school (I’m a teacher at Torquay College) and knowing how many kids love footy but aren’t into nippers or cricket – I thought there was an opportunity to train them and improve their overall fitness and skill development.

“The program’s about getting them up to speed with trials – whether it’s the Falcons or trying out for the A’s locally.

“It’s to upskill them as quick as they can to get them ready for next year and for the older kids looking at making certain squads. It gives kids a bit more confidence and fundamental skills for football, not just the generic things we’ve all done as a junior player.”

Mr McCaughan said kids could expect an hour session with certain age groups running at different times, general fitness first followed by 40 minutes of skill development.

“They’ll be touching the footy at least 400-500 times every session so they get used to it and improve.”

After receiving a large amount of interest for the Torquay program running across term four, he is now offering Belmont sessions as well and encouraged parents to book kids in.

“It’s eight sessions for $80 for kids aged between 10-17 years,” he said.

“The spots are going pretty quickly so I do recommend getting in early. I’m looking at quality over quantity and want to make sure the numbers are kept low so I can actually teach the kids so they develop their skills.”

For more information, phone 0419 374 889 or email [email protected].