PFC - WHEATBELT U16’S ACADEMY WRAP UP

WHEATBELT U16’S ACADEMY WRAP UP

Across a 10-week pre-season period, the most talented 2007/08 born players from throughout the club’s Wheatbelt Region took part in a High-Performance Academy based in Northam, all thanks to funding provided by the Department of Local Government Sport & Recreation (DLGSC) as part of their Regional Athlete Support Program (RASP). The program helped form part of the club’s selection process for the 2023 Futures program, where we have always strived to have our regional zone represented across our talent programs.

Consisting of two on-field sessions per week, along with a strength and conditioning block in between, the program aimed to replicate what our metro players were undergoing each week. This would then hopefully provide a seamless transition for those selected to continue with our metro squad.

Perth Football Club Talent Manager Brodie Riach said the program has provided some excellent outcomes. “To be able to reintroduce this high-performance model and funnel the best available regional talent towards our metro programs is crucial for us moving forward. The dedication, commitment, and level of skill shown by these players across the 10 weeks have been pleasing to see. Academy Head Coach Ben White has done a terrific job in giving these boys a taste of the level required to play WAFL football. Ben has been consistently supported by coaches from our metro Futures program, including Damien McCague, Chris Ryan, Tori Audino, Zac Casey, and Mark Longton, who all contributed throughout the program to help identify players for the upcoming WAFL Futures Carnival. To have four players from this initiative included in our final Futures squad, inclusive of both metro and country-based athletes, is exciting. Well done to Beau Velios, Cassius Hill, Jaxon Crook, and Lucas Griffiths on their inclusion in the squad.”

The Perth Football Club would also like to thank In Balance Physiotherapy for facilitating the weekly Strength & Conditioning component.

The Futures kick off their campaign on Sunday, March 12, at Mineral Resources Park against East Fremantle.