The first ever trials for the newly established Emerging Jets junior development program took place over the weekend.
The first ever trials for the newly established Emerging Jets junior development program took place at Wallarah Oval in New Lambton over the weekend.
Junior players in the under 10s and under 11s age groups trialled for the program which aims to provide identified players with access to the coaching, support services and competition required to play in the future for the Newcastle Jets in the A-League and W-League.
“To have worked so hard with Northern NSW and the FFA to put this program together, it was great to finally see it get underway with the trials on the weekend,” Jets CEO Robbie Middleby said.
“For these young boys and girls in our region to have the chance to get quality coaching and have a clear pathway to one day play for the Jets in the A-League and the W-League is fantastic.
“It was great to see so many young and talented local footballers take part in the trials. We were very happy with the response as well as the interest and excitement surrounding the Emerging Jets program.”
Jets head coach Gary van Egmond, assistant coach Craig Deans and NNSW technical direction David Smith were oversaw the trials on both Saturday and Sunday.
“It was really pleasing to see Gary and Craig attend both days of the trials, especially on Sunday, just hours before the first game of the A-League season for the Jets against Adelaide,” Middleby said.
“Gary and Craig are both very excited about the program and the young players coming through to potentially play for the Jets.”
While van Egmond, Deans and Smith were looking at the football skills of the talented youngsters trialling, there were also keeping a close eye on the coaches overseeing the training drills.
“One of the biggest steps is identifying the right coaches in each age group, to make sure they-ve got the right mentality and fit the culture we-re looking to build,” Middleby said.
