The selectors of the Northern Territory Football Club and AFL State Academy Program have announced the under 16 and 18 Squads to compete in the NAB AFL National Championships for 2011.
In a revamp program the selection trials commenced in Alice Springs on April 3rd and culminated in a series of matches in Darwin on 7th April. Some 200 players in both age groups have put their skills on show in front of the selectors. NTFC Under 18 Head Coach and NTIS AFL Head Coach Brenton Toy said "It was a difficult task to come down to a final squad as the quality and preparation of the players were of a very high standard.
The squads consist of players from all over the NT including NT boys that are attending school in southern states. NTFC Under 16 Coach Cameron Roberts said "players that attended the trials came with the right attitude and competitive nature to ensure they were considered for selection."
The NTFC Under 18 squad commences its National Campaign on May 29th against Division 1 Favourites Western Australia at TIO Stadium while the NTFC Under 16 Squads plays its first match on 26th June against Queensland on the Gold Coast at Carrara Stadium.
Players selected into the squad are expected to report at TIO Stadium Friday 8th April at 2.00pm for the State Academy Camp which includes education and testing and concludes on Saturday 9th April, in preparation for the National Championships.
The both initial squads will be reduced by May 15th.
The Squads can be found at:
NTFC U18 -
http://www.territoryfc.com.au/index.php?id=112
NTFC U16 -
http://www.territoryfc.com.au/index.php?id=111