About the Academy
​
The AFL Central Victoria Academy is a development program for talented young footballers, male and female, from across the region for the following age groups: U13 Boys, U14 Boys, U15 Boys and U15 Girls.
Players also have the opportunity to participate in interleague matches, which are also used predominantly as a developmental tool for those picked to participate. The interleague matches are not matches we desire or are required to win, but are an enjoyable part of the program for those involved.
The AFL CV Academies focus is solely on the development of junior footballers.
​
​​
Academy Philosophy
The Coaching Philosophy at the AFL Central Victoria Academy is all about player development & enjoying the process of this development. We must continue to build upon these foundations through maintaining a safe, positive & enjoyable learning environment at all times. Team sports have long been recognized for their ability to help mould the values and work ethic of young people for future years. Whether or not children continue to play team sport as an adult, it is often the lessons learnt about teamwork as a young participant in sport that stands them in good stead for the workplace and life in general.
​
It helps teach the importance of never giving up irrespective of the circumstances, always striving for one’s personal best.
As a region we define success not necessarily in our win/loss ratio, but in the endeavours of our players. We define success in terms of skill mastery, as well as making a contribution to the broader personal development of our players.
AFL Central Victoria’s Academy goals are for each player to exit our academy program a better player and a better person!
Academy Values
• Team 1st
• Encouragement & Team Spirit
• Responsibility (ready to train/play)
• Achievement (best effort/performance)
• Enjoyment
• Respect & Discipline
• Work Ethic (assists achievement)
• Continual Improvement
Academy Top Ten Criteria & Basis for Coaching Curriculum
​
1. Kicking - Distance, accuracy, preferred & non preferred (number one priority).
2. Marking - Uncontested, contested, on a lead (strong hands in marking contests)
3. Clean hands - gathering loose balls and hard balls (without fumbling when picking up off the deck). Handballing is part of the clean hands criteria (effective handballing skills).
4. Game Sense - Decision marking, reading the play, identifying space & understanding structure
5. Character/Culture - General attitude, ability to listen to coaches, respectfullness and has a strong work ethic - etc.
6. Ability to win contested ball - gain possession off the ball as it is in dispute 50/50.
7. Defensive techniques - Tackling, corralling, and spoiling (best players usually don't defend well, teach it).
8. Spread - Offensively and defensively from contests (must run hard to play the modern game).
9. Competitiveness - On and off field is essential to be the best.
10. Intensity – 2nd & 3rd efforts, change of speed & defensive effort.
Academy Objectives
• Increase the depth of talent within Community Football
• Increase the standard of local competition
• Provide a pathway for players and coaches
• To influence the on-field behaviour & values of young players
• Impact coach development through more senior and experienced coaches
