Albury to host Joss State Zone Trials
Over 280 talented AFL players will travel to Albury from October 4 to 7 for the under 13 and under 14 Joss State Zone Trials.
With matches to be held at Albury Sports Ground this is the perfect opportunity for locals to come along and watch the best up-and-coming stars of the competition in their own backyard.
The Joss State Zone Trials presents itself with a unique opportunity for players with the Sydney Swans and Team GWS looking for members to join their 2011 Academies.
The Academies will become fully operational in the near future and will provide players with direct access to their respective zoned club so they can access first-class coaches and facilities.
AFL (NSW/ACT) State Talent Manager Darren Denneman said it is an exciting time to be playing AFL in the state and territory.
“To have the academy programs and the quality of resources available presents itself with a unique opportunity for players in our market,” Denneman said.
The Joss State Zone Trials provides players with a rare occasion to come together to compare and compete against other AFL aspirants from around NSW and the ACT.
It is hoped that large crowds will gather in Albury to watch the state and territory’s best emerging AFL talent.
“The community will see some first-rate NSW/ACT boys competing at a high level,” he said.
“The Joss trials will provide a really good footprint of where our organisation is going and where it is at and the types of resources we put into these players.
“Without the support of the communities in and around Albury and NSW/ACT none of these players would have the opportunity to be part of the Talented Player Program.
“The trials provide a great picture for where AFL football is going to be in
NSW/ACT and the types of players that we’re going to produce in three or four years time for AFL lists.”
The Joss State Zone Trials have been set-up to best prepare players for life as AFL players. Participants in Albury will receive all-day access to their coaches to receive feedback, they will travel as a team, listen to educational sessions and undertake recovery – just as they would at an AFL club.
Denneman said he encourages all players to take advantage of their selection for the Joss trials.
“For four days, players must maximise access to coaches and staff, by seeking feedback relevant to team and individual performances,” he said.
Fourteen teams from seven regions across NSW/ACT will travel to Albury for the trials. Teams consist of the Starz (Northern Sydney), Pigeons (Southern Sydney/Illawarra), Pioneers (Western Sydney) Heat (Northern NSW), Cats (ACT/South Coast), Stingrays (Southern NSW) and Rebels (Southern NSW).
