Northern Heat program is set to return

The highly successful Northern Heat program will return across the 2022/2023 off season to provide selected players with the chance to take their game to the next level.

The Heat program exists to build the footy IQ of players, transition them through the ranks towards Senior footy, and to offer an alternate talent identification pathway. In addition to AFL specific skills and game sense development, the program includes strength and conditioning training, and match play against high level opponents from outside the region.

The program features the best male players from both the North West and North Coast regions, and will once again include two squads:

  • Futures – Under 15 (born 2007 or 2008)
  • Colts – Under 17 (born 2005 or 2006)

To be eligible for consideration within the program, players must have been a member of the North Coast Force representative program in the 2022 season. Players that meet this criteria that wish to be considered must complete the online nomination form by Monday 8 and attend the selection trial in Coffs Harbour on Saturday 17 September.

The program will run from October to December, players will be given a home training program for December and January, with training resuming across February and March. The program  will finish with a match for each squad on the Gold Coast in late March.

There are also opportunities for coaches to be involved with the program and work with either squad. To express an interest in joining the program as a coach please complete the form and return to Paul Taylor (paul.taylor@afl.com.au) by Friday 5 August.