Young Eurobodalla footballers are being given the chance to further their careers in Canberra thanks to a commitment from the Monaro Panthers.
The Queanbeyan-based club has committed to supporting these youngsters to realise their potential on the football field. This means providing them with a pathway that allows them to balance football commitments with finishing their schooling in the local area.
During the 2017 season, Eurobodalla products Logan Connell and Beau Harvey were instrumental in the Panthers’ U16s National Premier League (NPL) premiership team. Connell’s year was further capped off by being awarded the player of the year award for the NPL U16s league.
Lachlan Harrington and Julian Grayson are both playing their fourth year in the ACT NPL.
Their team just missed out on the finals but their football skills and development in to fine young men affirms they have made the right decision to continue playing and developing with the Monaro Panthers.
The Women’s side was also represented by the Eurobodalla, as Jasmine Zabel was a key member of the squad.
Monaro Panthers have invested in the future of the club through a number of recent appointments including Adam Firych who has migrated with his family from Ireland.
Adam grew up playing football in Poland and his vision is for the Panthers to be the best football club in the region.
Monaro has attracted new coaches this year, including several with international experience, and continues to rely on the capabilities of their existing group of coaches to lay the foundation for the development of better players.
Monaro NPL teams are available from U13s right through to first grade for both male and female players. A number of Eurobodalla teenagers are trying out for 2018 selection in the U18s with Moto Ohno from Japan as the coach.
The Panthers see an untapped resource in the Eurobodalla youth and are very keen to assist any player reach their dreams and potential. The new Woman’s Technical Director, John Cook says women’s football deserves the best opportunity for development.
John officially retired his aspirations for playing football competitively around 10 years ago due to a degenerative eye issue. This gave John the opportunity to develop his passion for coaching, including completing his B-licence with Rob Sherman in New Zealand. John has spent time in Amsterdam and Barcelona learning from the very best on talent identification and development.
Adam and John were recently in Merimbula to meet with players and parents and to talk about the programs that Monaro offers.
Adam plans to make another visit to present to any interested players or parents who see this as pathway they maybe interested in at the Moruya Golf Club on Saturday, November 11. Please email adamf.monaropanthers@gmail.com to register your interest and have your place reserved for this free event.