RELEASE FROM THE AUSTRALIAN FOOTBALL LEAGUE
The AFL, Football Victoria and AFL NSW/ACT today advise that the NSW/ACT RAMS will participate in the TAC Cup in 2003 in a limited format.
This decision was made after a comprehensive review of the talented player program In NSW/ACT.
The AFL (NSW/ACT) Commission approved the recommendation at the Commission meeting held in Wagga Wagga yesterday.
NSW/ACT's participation in the TAC Cup will be a reduced program of games that will include four matches against TAC Cup teams. Also included in the program will be matches against division 2 state teams, a division 1 state team and participation in the national under 18 Championship.
The major reason for the reduced program in 2003 is player welfare issues.
Under the current RAMS schedule players were travelling interstate every second weekend, as well as meeting training schedules, whilst still coping with demanding education requirements in years 11 and 12.
The schedule of games and an intensive camp program will still provide all players with significant opportunities to display their football ability and potential to become AFL players in the future. This program will give AFL Recruiting Managers the opportunity to asses all players with their peer group.
Mr Wayne Jackson, AFL CEO stated that this program "will still provide our talented athletes in NSW/ACT with a wonderful opportunity to showcase their skills in games scheduled around the Under 18 National Championships."
New Swans coach, Paul Roos, supported the changes advising that the Sydney Swans would become more closely aligned with the program. "Our coaches will assist in the development of the players to 'fast track' them to become AFL players. We want more local players on our list", Paul Roos said.
Mr John Livy, CEO from AFL NSW/ACT said that the "limited TAC Cup participation, together with intensive training camps will enable the talented players within NSW/ACT to develop their skills in the lead up to the AFL Draft, whilst providing an opportunity to concentrate on education, minimise general welfare issues, and cutting travel for the players and their families."
" The AFL NSW/ACT is confident that this program, which will retain its central base in Canberra, will provide the best development opportunities for talented players in the NSW/ACT region, and will restructure its talented player programs to maximise the success of the new Under 18 program," John Livy said.
ENDS
For further information please contact Dr. Ross Smith, General Manager - Game Development
The AFL, Football Victoria and AFL NSW/ACT today advise that the NSW/ACT RAMS will participate in the TAC Cup in 2003 in a limited format.
This decision was made after a comprehensive review of the talented player program In NSW/ACT.
The AFL (NSW/ACT) Commission approved the recommendation at the Commission meeting held in Wagga Wagga yesterday.
NSW/ACT's participation in the TAC Cup will be a reduced program of games that will include four matches against TAC Cup teams. Also included in the program will be matches against division 2 state teams, a division 1 state team and participation in the national under 18 Championship.
The major reason for the reduced program in 2003 is player welfare issues.
Under the current RAMS schedule players were travelling interstate every second weekend, as well as meeting training schedules, whilst still coping with demanding education requirements in years 11 and 12.
The schedule of games and an intensive camp program will still provide all players with significant opportunities to display their football ability and potential to become AFL players in the future. This program will give AFL Recruiting Managers the opportunity to asses all players with their peer group.
Mr Wayne Jackson, AFL CEO stated that this program "will still provide our talented athletes in NSW/ACT with a wonderful opportunity to showcase their skills in games scheduled around the Under 18 National Championships."
New Swans coach, Paul Roos, supported the changes advising that the Sydney Swans would become more closely aligned with the program. "Our coaches will assist in the development of the players to 'fast track' them to become AFL players. We want more local players on our list", Paul Roos said.
Mr John Livy, CEO from AFL NSW/ACT said that the "limited TAC Cup participation, together with intensive training camps will enable the talented players within NSW/ACT to develop their skills in the lead up to the AFL Draft, whilst providing an opportunity to concentrate on education, minimise general welfare issues, and cutting travel for the players and their families."
" The AFL NSW/ACT is confident that this program, which will retain its central base in Canberra, will provide the best development opportunities for talented players in the NSW/ACT region, and will restructure its talented player programs to maximise the success of the new Under 18 program," John Livy said.
ENDS
For further information please contact Dr. Ross Smith, General Manager - Game Development
