Force rises again!

Excitement is at fever pitch as representative AFL returns to the region with the announcement of the North Coast Force youth teams for 2021.

99 players from Lismore in the north to Taree in the south have been selected across the four age group teams and will take part in an expanded program that will include carnivals in both the Hunter in June and Coffs Harbour in July.

Paul Taylor, Community Football Manager, said that the return of representative footy has generated plenty of excitement. “Players are always passionate about putting on the North Coast Force rep jumper and testing themselves against the best players from other regions. Unfortunately, this couldn’t happen last year due to the COVID restrictions on travel, so we’re really excited to have rep footy back in 2021.

“Not only is the Force back, we’ve got a second carnival to compete in which means that we’ll be able to take away learnings from playing in the Hunter and use these to perform even better at the carnival in Coffs Harbour. Our focus is very much on helping the players develop to be the best footballer they can be, so the chance to test ourselves, apply learnings, and compete again is invaluable.”

The North Coast Force program is being delivered in partnership with the local Sydney Swans Academy, which may lead to more players being offered the chance to join the Academy program. Following the Force program further opportunities will be available to girls via the North Coast Academy of Sport AFLW program, whilst boys will be considered for the Northern Heat program.

“Our representative program has come ahead in leaps and bounds in recent years, as has the standard of play in our local competitions, so it’s great that the Force program can offer players the chance to not just further develop their skills and game sense, but also to continue to progress through the pathway,” Paul Taylor said. “We’ve had local male and female players make their way onto the lists of AFL and AFLW teams and we’re looking to help the next generation continue towards that goal.”

Adding further significance to selection in the Force is a new partnership with 2XU sports apparel suppliers which provides squad members with drastically reduced prices on selected items of compression clothing.

To view the full squad details, click here.

Key dates:

• First training session – Wednesday 12 May, Fitzroy Oval, Coffs Harbour (6:00pm to 7:30pm)
• Hunter Carnival – Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 June, Teralba and Warners Bay
• Coffs Harbour Carnival – Tuesday 6 and Wednesday 7 July, Leisure Park, Coffs Harbour