ACADEMY NEWS

   

The "Idea"

The idea to provide a better development program for junior players first arose after many conversations and discussions amongst a number of club members over the years expressing their concerns about the players progressing from junior level to club level lacking the necessary skills and knowledge needed to become quality senior players. These concerns got the better of one club member in particular, and after putting pen to paper, the Strikers Academy concept was born.

The Strikers Academy has been established to primarily provide an opportunity for the best young players in the Devonport area to not only greatly improve their existing skills, but also be given the opportunity to learn new skills they would not normally be taught, due to the restrictive nature of the school soccer program. These advanced skills only form a portion of what is needed to become a complete soccer player. As well as receiving advanced training tips they can use on the field, there will also be a number  of indoor sessions where the players will receive information on such subjects as injury treatment & prevention, nutrition in sport, and sports psychology to name a few. The Academy program is of an elite nature and has been designed to supplement the players’ existing schedule with their school and representative teams, and not replace it. It is the aim of the Academy to provide an overall education to the players that will not only enhance their soccer playing prospects, but will benefit them in everyday life for years to come.

It was proposed to provide the Academy program and all the players’ uniforms, etc at no extra cost to the parents. In order to do this, it was necessary to seek a large amount of financial assistance by way of sponsorship and grants. Due to the very much appreciated contributions of a number of local businesses we were able to purchase all new equipment and provide each player with a unique training uniform, training jacket, bag, ball and drink bottle to keep. There will be ongoing expenses each year in order to provide the new players with their equipment and to maintain the standard of the training equipment. Thankfully, we have obtained a long term commitment from a major sponsor, Dannebrog Cafe Bar & Grill, and we would also hope to be able to secure ongoing support from our other contributors. The Academy coaches and players would like to thank all of the financial/product contributors for their support:

              Dannebrog Cafe Bar & Grill, Devonport Mitsubishi, Woolworths, Department of Sport & Recreation, Derrico Cycles, Champions Choice, Devonport Sportspower, Tasfreight, NW Trophy House.