The Northern Inland Academy of Sport has officially launched its new football program.
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NIAS offers an Under 17s program, however a hole between the Northern Inland Football Under 12 and the NIAS under 17 pathway for the region’s aspiring football players was a concern. In association with Northern Inland Football, NIAS has taken up the reins and introduced an Under 13/14s program.
“It’s great that NIAS has come on board and filled the gap in the athlete’s development pathway.
- Howard Stubbs
Unlike any other program in the NIAS repertoire, the U13/14 will be run similar to the NIF program. The athletes will train twice a week in their zones (Armidale, Inverell, Gunnedah and Tamworth) then come together for gala days once every two months.
The first gala day was held in Gunnedah with all teams playing two games each. They were tough and trying conditions, but the athletes held their heads high and put on an impressive display, confirming the level of ability flowing through the junior ranks.
“It’s great that NIAS has come on board and filled the gap in the athlete’s development pathway. They have shown plenty of potential but to keep developing as athletes they need programs like this and the NIAS organization does it very well,” Northern Inland Football technical director Howard Stubbs said.
Taking on the new football program has added about 70 new athletes to the Northern Inland Academy of Sports player numbers. A big boost for the academy as it continues to grow.
“We are always looking for ways in which we can offer more help to athletes in the Northern Inland and this was a fantastic opportunity to offer a stronger pathway for our region’s footballers,” NIAS CEO James Cooper said.
“We’ve already been taking them on at the U17 level.
“Now we can take them on at the under 13/14 level and help develop them as athletes on and off the field.”
The next gala day will be held in Armidale on March 11.
The squads will continue their twice weekly training sessions in their towns. Tamworth and Gunnedah every Tuesday and Thursday while Armidale and Inverell train on Monday and Wednesday evenings.
ATHLETE PROFILE: Vitorio Sardinha
Sport? I’m a member of the Armidale City Bowling Club U13/14 football program. I have been playing football for four years but this is my first year in the NIAS program.
What town or city are you from? Gunnedah
Age? I was born on the 25th of May, 2005.
Expectations for the NIAS program? I would like to Improve my ball skills and game awareness.
Highest Achievement? I was a part of the NIF U11 and 12 Boys State Championship Team.
Hero? My favorite football player is Ronaldo de Lima otherwise known as Fenomeno. He was a stunning footballer and I loved watching him play. However, the greatest influence on me and my football has certainly been my dad.