Academy, PHFC PLUS, Girls Excel
The Academy concept currently in existence at the club is being reframed into a new brand called Pine Hill PLUS. This follows a recent review, which also included a survey of members.
The PLUS program will retain all of the benefits of the existing Academy concept, but also offer potential and opportunity for other players across the club to access some of these benefits. While all players (U9-16) will have the opportunity to access the PLUS program, only the best players in an age group will be able to play in the First Team.
I will be presenting the review findings, anecdotal feedback and explanations of the PLUS and Girls Excel program to members on Wednesday 21st and Thursday 22nd October at the community clubhouse, 6.00 – 6.45pm both nights. I look forward to seeing you there.
Trials for U9-16 First Teams (Boys/Mixed)
Trialling for age-level First Teams will be slightly different this year. (Note, ‘first team’ terminology will replace ‘Academy’ team terminology for 2021.)
Coaches of existing Academy teams and the teams immediately below have been asked to provide the DOC with their personal insights into players, whose performance and attitude throughout the year warrant an opportunity to compete for a PHFC first team in 2021.
By the end of October, players from within our club will be invited to participate in a trialling process for 2021 first teams. I will soon be advertising trial dates for November, for each team/age group, that will allow players from other clubs to express an interest and trial.
It is my hope that by the end of November I can announce a First Team squad for each age group and ‘hopefully’ their coach.
However, please note that there are many variables that impact on this process, including parents who decide to take their children elsewhere, players who want to go elsewhere to follow friends … even after selection, wet weather, injuries, families moving house, etc.
Trial dates will be announced next week
Trials for U9-16 First Teams (Girls)
Selection of the girl-only teams will occur in February 2021. We are conducting the trials then and not now, because of the prior experience of having a large influx of girls registering early in the year. We are expecting the same to happen again next year.
However, we do want to look at all of our girls and any new girls during November 2020.
We will soon notify members of our girls-only training and talent identification sessions for U8-10, U11-13, U14-16 age groups. These sessions will help inform our team and trial planning for 2021.