AFL Pathway Program

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AFL Pathway Program & Year 7 Development Squad

The Emerald Secondary College AFL Pathway Program is a unique program that offers a quality environment where young players can sequentially develop their skills through activities, games, match rules and conditions fitting their stage of learning and ability.

The pathway program aims to develop and educate youth on the essential requirements of been an AFL player as they progress through the stages of pathway development. The purpose is on individual player’s abilities as well as preparing teams to participate in SSV competitions, at club level and through talent pathways.

The College program has relationships with local and surrounding junior and senior clubs and prides itself on its player development, program opportunities and its involvement at SSV competitions.

Principles

• Comprehensive (levels of participation that link)
• Inclusive and equitable (accommodates all young people)
• Coherent (prescribes links between levels)
• Developmental (meets children’s needs)
• Informed (by research and practice)

The program is accessible to Year 7, 8, 9 and Year 10 students from Emerald Secondary College.

Aims

• Develop advanced skills, knowledge and understanding of Australian Rules Football
• Promote and enhance self-discipline, goal setting, time management and leadership through team participation and team experiences
• Provide direct links between the College program and local and surrounding clubs.
• Supporting students to enhance their abilities as they progress through the Junior ranks
• Offering an environment after school hours to build friendships and facilitate enjoyment of the game.

Weekly Program Includes

Skills practice, match play, decision making, nutrition, game preparation, recovery and excursion opportunities.

Playing Opportunities

The Year 7 and 8 students (Boys & Girls) participate in the following competition:

• SSV Junior Australian Rules Football

The Year 9 & 10 students (Boys & Girls) participate in the following competition:

• SSV intermediate Australian Rules Football

College Coach Experience

• Level 2 coach
• Playing Division 1 senior football in the AFL Outer East (Current)
• Hawthorn Next Generation Academy Assistant Coach (2020)
• Under 16 Interleague Head Coach 2021
• Under 14 coach at EJFC (2018-2019)
• Under 19 coach at EFNC (2018-current)
• Assistant coach of Hallam Senior College AFL Academy 2017
• AFL ambassador
• AFL combine experience
• AIS assessment of the top 30 U/16 players in Australia
• AFL umpire

Jarrad Donders – Program Co-coordinator