AFL

Program Overview

AFL was introduced into the Gold Coast Academy of Sport program in 2017 as part of a development Player Program to provide additional skill development opportunities for aspiring young AFL players of the Gold Coast region. The immediate goal is to up-skill young players so they are in a better position to achieve higher-level representation and progression in the sport.

The GCAS, together with the leading AFL club, the Southport Sharks, on the Gold Coast have compiled a junior development program. The program includes on field and off field components with the major emphasis on individual skill development.

The athletes who become part of this initial program will gain a real competitive advantage over other boys and girls their age. Sessions of skill and game sense training, as well as strength and conditioning, and supported by educational sessions, will give these athletes an invaluable kick start to the up coming representative season.

Selection Process

The GCAS will select an initial squad of up to sixteen (16) athletes, and as explained above, the focus will be on individual skills rather than team play. A selected panel of GCAS coaches and administrators will review applications regarding the suitability of athletes.

The GCAS decision regarding athlete selection is based on objective and subjective measures and the GCAS holds final responsibility for the selection of athlete’s into this program.

Eligibility

To be eligible for selection into the GCAS AFL program Academy athletes must be:

Male or Female, turning 13, or 14 in the current calendar year;

Currently residing within the Gold Coast City Council boundaries;

Excel in either AFL or another sport;

Be a self-driven athlete, who is committed to improving his skills and applies effort in every session.

The Pathway

The GCAS AFL program exists to up-skill athletes and assist them in progressing to higher representation in the sport of AFL. In the future, it is hoped that the GCAS program will be a pathway to representation and talent identification for higher level competition.

Athlete Benefits

A levy will be applicable to successful athletes and covers the full cost of participation the program, the GCAS merchandise kit (uniform) and a family ticket (3 pax) to the GCAS Annual Awards Evening.

In addition to regular scheduled training sessions, the following benefits will apply to athletes selected within the GCAS AFL Program:

• Squad training sessions, generally held weekly for the term of the program
• Core educational sessions along with development in the gym;
• Individual development, as well as squad coaching;
• Further insight into what it takes to become a committed professional athlete;
• Identification of weaknesses with training methods to correct technique;
• Access to the GCAS online communication system ‘Sports Locker System / V team’

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