By Josip Zilic
The Geelong region is enjoying a terrific growth period in football/soccer participation at all levels and the fruits of that labour has been evident in representative squads over the years.
This year is no different with squads being announced during the week ahead of the National Championships coming up in Coffs Harbour this weekend.
The Victorian Country squad has no less than 13 Geelong-born players representing the state, of which 12 are competing with the region’s NPL club North Geelong Warriors.
The result is a great example of how the pathway program is working for players, coaches and clubs alike, bringing together the region’s players from a wide range of community clubs, who perform their best under the guidance of the NPL system to draw the attention of selectors.
The players are used to going through selection trials as they go through it to join the North Geelong in the NPL system which puts them in good stead to appreciate what is required to step up to representative selection.
The National Youth Championships are FFA’s primary national football competition for the 13 and 14-year-old boys.
The competition will see teams from each of the State Federations of the FFA compete over five days from 3 to 7 October at C.ex International Stadium in Coffs Harbour NSW.
All the region’s clubs wish the young representatives of Geelong the very best in the tournament.
