What a start we have had to the 2022 MPJFL Summer Development Programs!
Things got underway on Saturday the 1st of October, with all three age groups attending an introduction session at our Development Oval, Bluescope Reserve. The participants made an immediate impact, and it was great to see the relationships forming between players from different clubs. A key aspect of the Academy program is the teamwork and comradery that forms when bringing participants from aross the whole league into the one environment.
Just this weekend gone, we were able to hold our first annual Somers Camp Challenge Day since the pandemic. The annual Somers Camp Challenge Day is always a great opportunity for the group to bond, with a number of challenges and activities that put a magnifying glass on the off-field qualities that make a good footballer & person in general.
The Under 13 Boys and Under 12 Girls excelled in the challenges that were set, and showed exemplary levels of leadership, communication, and teamwork. A special thank you to Corey, Ed and the team at Somers Camp for their hospitality. We look forward to coming back next year!
Under 13 Boys working together to complete one of the challenges at Somers Camp!
Last night we hosted Footy Fast Tracker out at Bluescope, in the first of our planned specialist coaching nights. Our Under 12 and 13 Boys turned out in force, with both groups nearly at full capacity. Rick Legassick and Paul Hudson have been an active part of our program for 2 years now, providing our participants with a fresh perspective and voice, offering expertise in a number of areas developed over decades coaching at different levels. Footy Fast Tracker will continue tomorrow night, this time with the Under 12 Girls!
Under 12 Boys listening attentively to Specialist Coach Paul Hudson!
What’s up ahead:
There is still plenty to come within each the programs, in particular specialist coaching sessions facilitated by Footy Fast Tracker, Malcolm Bangs, and the Dandenong Stingrays. On top of that, we are especially looking forward to matches against the OEFNL & YJFL, where the participants will get the opportunity to represent the league for the first time, putting their academy learnings to use.
We would like to acknowledge the tireless work of our MPJFL Academy coaches, who make facilitating these programs throughout the year possible. In particular, Jim Scown, Marc Bressan, James Arundale, Rhys Dupas, Craig Christie, and program manager Andrew Souter. Also, the parents within the program that are willing to help out when required.
The MPJFL Academy provides coaches the opportunity to further their skills as well as players, so if you are interested in submitting an expression of interest for a coaching or support role within our 2023 Interleauge Program, follow this link – 2023 MPJFL Academy – Interleague Coaching and Support Role Expressions of Interest – Mornington Peninsula Junior Football League
As always, we would like to thank our Major Partners Bluescope for their continued support of the MPJFL, providing us with a facility to cater for our development programs both in-season and over summer. Without Bluescope Oval, we would not be able to provide these opportunities for our participants, and for that we are extremely grateful.
Keep an eye on teamapp as well as our social media for all the latest updates regarding our Summer Development Programs!
Under 12 Girls Superstars at the first session – 1st October
