CHANCES TO SHINE FOR REP PLAYERS
FOOTBALL Gold Coast has announced it will introduce an extended representative program in 2021 designed to deliver enhanced training and game opportunities for local based players.
After the success of the 2019 Community Cup in Mackay, the COVID-19impacted season ensured that no representative program was in place throughout 2020.
However, with some normality restored throughout the football calendar, the introduction of the First Step/ Next Step program and the resumption of the Community Cup training program has been put back in place for the upcoming season.
The First Step/Next Step program is there to ensure that the next generation of players between the ages of 8-12 have the best opportunities to continue their footballing journey and succeed at a higher level.
Split into three zones across the Gold Coast (North, Central and South) the program has been put in place to maximise the level of training for the new generation before playing in competition grade football when they reach thirteen.
“First Step/Next Step programs is our gateway for the younger generations to come through and be coached by some of the best our local zone has to offer. We have been working on this project for a number of years now so to release it finally is a welcomed sight,” said Football Gold Coast operations officer Alan Marquez.
“The idea is to eventually grow the program and compete against our fellow southeast Queensland zones, all without disrupting the normal club schedule for our players.”
In the most recent edition of the Community Cup in Mackay in 2019, Football Gold Coast achieved outstanding success and have opted to compete once again in this year’s edition on the Sunshine Coast.
With teams from U13-U16 being fielded, players will have the opportunity to work in a extended camp preparing for the tournament before
testing themselves against Queensland’s best grass roots players.
“After our success at the Community Cup in 2019 we knew that we had to go back and go better than what we achieved in Mackay. The region has always produced fantastic players and there is
no better way to show it than at a state level,” said Marquez.
Both programs will be spearheaded by coaching mentor Keith Garland, who will oversee both sets of coaches during the training period and tournaments.
“We are encouraging all those interested to register
for trials as we are looking to kick the programs off in less than a month. We have had massive interest so far and are excited to see what we can achieve as a zone,” Marquez said. More information can be found through Football Gold Coast’s social media or website.