Dynamic Footy Skills’ Inaugural Elite Camp was an unequivocal success, with 25 players grasping the opportunity to experience footy at an elite level and take on an interstate representative side.
After a tough and memorable 2014 series, we welcomed back Western Australia’s “Warriors Junior Football Development Association”. This year, the sides met twice in matches resembling the old State of Origin clashes – The Big V represented by DFS and The Warriors of WA.
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To help improve team morale and give DFS players the full elite-level footy experience, the 25 players went into a camp for three days.
Mirroring an AFL teams’ interstate trip, the DFS side enjoyed team building activities and spent time with DFS’ expert coaches to work through the game plan and other aspects of their footy.
As well as tours of AFL club training sessions, players also had the privilege to hear from some of the game’s leading experts including Brett Potter (Carlton FC recruiter), Matt Bain (Stride AFL player manager), Michael Inglis (AFLPA Sport Psychologist) and experts from Nutrition Melbourne.
The Elite Camp success help by our generous Players Sponsors.
Underlining the quality of the Elite Camp, the opening game against the Warriors was held at the Whitten Oval, home of AFL club Western Bulldogs.
Although the game didn’t go the hosts way, there would be plenty gain from the experience as shown in the following game two days later.
After an 8 goal defeat in the first game, a vastly improved DFS side fought the Warriors until the end going down by 3 goals at Ivanhoe Park after leading throughout the first 3 quarters.
DFS General Manager Jarrad Carey said the whole camp was a positive experience.
“While the Warriors were just too good for us on the field, it was a huge success for DFS both on and off the field.”
“Considering we had a mixture of ages ranging from 12-17 and a representation of 21 different local clubs, it was a credit to the players how well they bonded during the 3 days.”
Dynamic Footy Skills Coaching Director Adrian Talarico was pleased with how the program came together.
“It was great to welcome the Warriors last year. This year we wanted to try and expand the whole experience for the players, hence the random selection process” he said.
Following on from the successful 2014 series, DFS wanted to give players more than just the chance to play with and against other talented players.
“By mirroring the elite level interstate game scenario, the players were able to live and breathe their footy for a few days, giving them a taste of footy at the highest level.
“While taking in the valuable insights from coaches and guests, players still enjoyed the other aspects like spending time with mates and getting to know the WA players and officials away from the footy field,” Talarico said.
DFS can confirm that the series will be held once again in season 2016, during the April school holidays. No doubt interest from DFS players will be high. Only players who complete the DFS Elite Summer Training Program will be eligible for squad selection. Full details will be released October 2015.
