
Second OPAFC Junior Academy gets the thumbs up
Over the last two weeks the Old Paradians Football Club has successfully delivered its second Junior Football Academy Program and the feedback from participants, their club representatives and parents has been very positive.
Our Program Director this year was David Boundy, 2015 club premiership coach and a highly decorated VFL and VAFA player. David's extensive knowledge of the game was invaluable in developing and delivering program content and ensuring players understood the logic behind what was being taught. David was ably supported by senior players Marcus Nolan, Michael Boundy and Chris Shepherd who is also the coach of the Parade St Damians Under 15 team.
As with the inaugural program held in 2016 this year's Academy Program was directed at players from Parade College and local junior clubs in the 15 to 17 year age groups with the key objective of skill development and providing an accelerated understanding of key aspects of the game including goal setting, fitness and conditioning and understanding game day strategies. These topics were covered in 4 separate 2 hour sessions that included instruction and group discussion followed by on field drills designed to reinforce and practice session fundamentals.
Following the final session players and their families joined in the Academy Graduation Dinner where each player was presented with their Graduation Certificate.
The club would like to thank Phil Gaut from Parade College, coaches, staff and parents from Parade Saint Damians and other local junior clubs for all their support in making this year's program so successful.
Mike Jolley
President
OPAAFC