Cats see a lot of good points in academy

THE Broadbeach Cats are in the midst of launching a football academy in the hope of cashing in on talented juniors who will go on to carry smaller list points value at senior level.

New Cats coach Craig O’Brien has been working with development manager Jason Lowe to create the academy aimed at improving the skills of colts and reserves players and retain the talent that would have previously been lost.

“We wanted to try to have 15 players in our academy and work to improve these kids and get them to ready to play senior footy either this year or next year,” said O’Brien (pictured). “We have 17 of our kids in the (Gold Coast) Suns academy, which is a great number.

“We have a lot of juniors and I believe we haven’t cashed in on that in the past.

“We have implemented is a buddy system with a senior player.

We are trying to bring the one club in which is the juniors and seniors as one which is really starting to get some results.

“It would be good to have more players getting to 100 or 150 games for us.

“With the QAFL points system you have to invest in your backyard.”

O’Brien said the members of the academy would take part in individualised training on Monday’s to work on certain areas of their game before joining the main playing squad later in the week.

“We also want to make sure their mental health is healthy,” O’Brien said.

“It’s about keeping these players in footy so they don’t fall out of the system.”

There will also be cash incentives on offer for players who reach milestones including 50 and 100 games.