SSA Nationals set for Sydney

New South Wales will be represented by U12 and U15 boys teams, and an U16 girls side, with all three teams afforded the chance to play on premier AFL venues such as the Sydney Cricket Ground and Spotless Stadium.

All three teams from the region were presented with their jumpers by former Sydney Swans star and AFL NSW/ACT General Manager Craig Bolton, himself a past participant in the Championships, at the SCG on Friday morning

New South Wales last hosted the Championships in 2007, and this year marks the sixth occasion the state has been afforded hosting honours.

In 2007, the 77th Schoolboy Championships were conducted in Sydney where future AFL stars Alex Fasolo (Coll), David Swallow (GC), Jack Darling (WCE), Tom Liberatore (WB), Steven May (GC), Mitch Wallis (WB), Dion Prestia (GC), Reece Conca (Rich), Brandon Matera (GC) and Cricketer Alex Keath participated.
 
This will be the thirteenth joint hosting of the National 12 and Under (formerly Primary Exchange) and 15 and Under (Secondary Championship) Football competitions, allowing both primary and secondary students and staff to interact and share experiences.

The event also encompasses the fourth Under 16 SSA Schoolgirls Championships, and with the inclusion of the Girls competition Australian Football has become the largest participation team sport event on the School Sport Australia calendar. 

The event is unique for its emphasis on developing students in various official roles outside of playing football.
 
Since 1999 participating States and Territories have been asked to provide accredited Secondary student field, boundary and goal umpires to promote and support the development of student umpires through their participation at the national level.

Under the guidance of Umpires Coordinator Steve Welsh, this year every game will be fully officiated (field, boundary and goal) by 23 student umpires.  

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE CHAMPIONSHIP DRAW

DATES:          Saturday 19 July to Saturday 26 July 2014.

VENUES:       The 2014 Championships will be held at various venues in Sydney including the Sydney Cricket Ground, Sydney Cricket Ground No. 2, Blacktown International Sports Park, Henson Park, Bruce Purser Reserve, and Spotless Stadium.

CHAMPIONSHIPS PROGRAM

DAY	DATE	ACTIVITY
1	Sat July 19	Teams arrive and pre-championship meeting
2	Sun July 20	Opening Ceremony and Day 1 of Competition
3	Mon July 21	Day 2 of Competition
4	Tues July 22	Excursion
5	Wed July 23	Day 3 of Competition
6	Thurs July 24	Day 4 of Competition
7	Fri July 25	Rest Day
8	Sat July 26	Competition matches, Closing Ceremony and teams depart

COMPETING STATES

Boys:

15 Years & Under: Australian Capital Territory, New South Wales, Northern Territory, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria and Western Australia.

12 Years & Under: Australian Capital Territory, New South Wales, Northern Territory, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria and Western Australia

Girls:

16 Years & Under: Australian Capital Territory, New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Victoria and Western Australia