Young South West footballers kick goals during West Coast Eagles Academy training sessions

Young and enthusiastic aspiring footballers in the South West have been making the most of an opportunity to develop their game with the backing of an AFL club. Boys and girls keen to build on their football skills have been flocking to the Bunbury Catholic College oval in recent months to take part in regular training sessions with the West Coast Eagles Academy. With bases in Bunbury and Busselton, the West Coast Eagles Academy this year began holding monthly training sessions, enabling country kids the same opportunities those based in metropolitan areas would be afforded, including workshops with talent development coaches and players along with local volunteer coaches. West Coast Eagles South West community co-ordinator Melanie Toia said the monthly training sessions so far had attracted solid numbers, particularly among the girls. “We have done stand-alone, one-offs here and there before but the academy sessions have been done in Perth weekly and monthly for the past couple of years, but this year is the first time we’re rolling it out in the regions,” she said. “The purpose of the training sessions is to bring city opportunities to the country kids. West Coast are really passionate about giving opportunities to kids living in regional areas so instead of kids having to travel to Perth, we bring it to the regions. “The turn-out has been amazing — very dominated by girls which is amazing and it’s a real testament to the fact that there’s a real thirst for more amongst young women footballers. “They’re really passionate about working on their skills ... and I think the more profile AFLW gets then I think the number of girls will just keep on rising. It’s exciting.” Along with taking part in regular training sessions, the West Coast Eagles Academy helps provide further opportunities, particularly for those within the Next Generation Academy. “There’s some opportunities for local players to play curtain raiser games at Optus Stadium so we’re looking for players who fit into our Next Generation Academies,” Ms Toia said. “All AFL clubs have Next Generation Academies, which are open to everyone, but with the objective of growing representation amongst Indigenous and multicultural players.” Players are not the only ones with an opportunity to nurture their love for football, coaches also have the opportunity to take part in development workshops, with one set to take place at Mineral Resources Park during the July school holidays. “We identified local coaches who have aspirations to take on coaching at a range of different levels,” Ms Toia said. “During the coach development day coming up in July, our local volunteer coaches will have an opportunity to do some game-day coaching with our Naitanui Academy players as well as match simulations and personal development.”