RAMS’ Stuart Turner joins Team GWS

Team GWS is pleased to announce the signing of a young rising star from Greater Western Sydney with 16 year old Stuart Turner signing a two year scholarship with Team GWS under the AFL (NSW/ACT) Scholarship program.

Turner, described as an aggressive midfield and forward utility, has played four games for Team GWS with the club’s TAC Cup side and impressed the coaching staff early, but has unfortunately been sidelined with a foot injury.

The scholarship announcement comes after Turner put in an impressive performance at the U16 AFL NSW/ACT State Zone Carnival in April, and his selection in the U16 NSW/ACT RAMS.

Turner started playing football with Westbrook Junior AFL Club at just four years old, before moving to Pennant Hills Football Club earlier this year to play U18’s Premier division.

The rising star said that he was looking forward to the challenges ahead with Team GWS.

“I’m really excited, it’s been a dream since I was seven to play AFL footy, and this opportunity gives me a great chance to fulfill that.

“I have been training with GWS for a while now and it’s such a privilege to work under the likes of Alan McConnell and Kevin Sheedy. Everyone there is very friendly and they take the time to talk to you about anything.

“I can’t believe it, I have been given an opportunity to do something that I love and now I can focus on my footy and hopefully develop as a player for the future.”

Team GWS will have the capacity to primary list Turner at the end of 2012, giving him the opportunity of joining Josh Bruce as one of few players to graduate from the club’s inaugural TAC Cup side.

“Going down to Melbourne to play my first TAC game just made me want this more, and now I have the opportunity to put that into action and hopefully reward GWS with the faith they have showed in me.”

Team GWS High Performance Manager Alan McConnell said that he was looking forward to working with Turner over the next two years.

“We’re very pleased to have him on board with Team GWS, and it’s an exiting opportunity for him as a player.

“Stuart is a fine young man who comes from an enthusiastic family and support network who enjoy supporting him and watching him play.

“He’s still overcoming a foot injury, however has been improving throughout the year and I am sure he will continue to develop in the future.”

Turner is currently completing year ten at Norwest Christian College, and lives at home with his parents and sister Montana in Castle Hill.

The club’s medical staff hope that he will be able to play in the final round of the TAC Cup in August.