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Under 19s

Uni Blacks - VAFA Under 19 Premier Section 2008

"At Uni Blacks, football is not only about the quality of football, it is about the quality of blokes"
 - Former Blacks Under 19 player
 

THE Team

If you are studying in Melbourne in 2009 and keen to play a high standard of footy, keen to meet a fine collection of lads and prepared to have a great time, then look no further - Uni Blacks is the place to be.

THE Division

Uni Blacks is a club on the rise. In 2009 the Under 19s will again play in Division 1 of the VAFA U19 competition - known as the Premier division and the highest standard of U19 footy in the state (there are 5 divisions in total).
 

Preseason

Uni Blacks Under 19 Team 2008

Under 19 training will commence in February at the Main Oval at Melbourne Uni. Preseason training is held on Monday and Wednesday. During the season we will train on Tuesday and Thursday and play on Saturday afternoon.

A super season launch BBQ / drinks will be held during the first week of March.

Players are encouraged to train with the seniors prior to this time, especially those setting their sights on senior football throughout the coming year - watch this space for udated training details.

The Coach

Uni Blacks Under 19 2008The coach of the Under 19s is Luke O'Connell. Luke is an impressive individual with a wealth of football experience.  As the single ruckman he was instrumental in the Blacks' resurgence through the grades and into A-division in 2008. 

Luke is assisted by Steve Cerni, Ed Ryan & Todd Smith. Ed & Todd have both played significant roles within the club over the past few years. Steve Cerni joins the coaching ranks after a long association with Uni Blacks dating back to his playing days in the late 80's, early 90's, he was also Uni Blacks senior coach in 90 & 91, Steve brings a wealth of knowledge to the coaching committee and we thank him for his commitment.

He is also backed by the newly formed Under 19s committee which is headed up by another former senior player, Adrian Goonan (adrian.goonan@warakirri.com.au, 0417 277 157).

THE 2009 Assault

We have many quality players from our 2008 side still eligible and fired up with great enthusiasm for a super season in 2009. A number of quality new players have already committed to coming on board and all the more are welcome.

A group of players from the Seniors that have founded the Under 19s committee will be actively involved in recruiting and training. As mentioned above this group is headed by Adrian Goonan (0417 277 157) and coach Luke O'Connell. Give the lads a call if you'd like to hear about the Blacks from a player's angle.

THE Blacks' Difference

Uni Blacks Under 19sOur training will be frequently alternated, with:

  • access to top class training facilities including The Uni Main Oval, Princes Park, the Athletics running track and the newly refurbished Melbourne Uni Sports Centre (including gym, swimming pool, cycling classes and boxing); and
  • guest coaches often coming in to give different perspectives on the game. In previous seasons we had an exciting range of guest coaches attending training to lend their considerable expertise to our team including:
    • Tom Harley (Current Premiership Captain of the Geelong Football Club);
    • David Parkin (Blacks Director of Coaching and former Coach of Carlton Football Club);
    • Joel Bowden (Current Richmond player);
    • Danny Sexton (Current St Kilda assistant coach);
    • Michael Rizio (Former Blacks Senior coach);
    • Anthony Parkin (Blacks premiership coach); and
    • Kane Bowden (Blacks premiership coach).

These opportunities will continue in 2009.

THE Opportunities to play senior football

If Under 19 players have aspirations to play senior football and play well enough they are given every opportunity. The Under 19 and Senior coaching staff ensure this by working very closely to ensure that every footballer is given the best opportunity to play at the highest level they can. Every year there are several players who make the step up from Under 19s to senior football and we expect this to continue.

THE Blacks Support Network outside football

Away from football, we have one of the most extensive past player networks in Amateur circles that is active in supplying players with assistance in education, employment and personal assistance. A Player Welfare Group of past players has been formed in the last few years and co-ordinates these activities. If any Under 19 player needs assistance with such matters (i.e. employment, or career advice), then they should not hestitate to ask, Blacks will be able to point you in the right direction.

THE Result

After a year with the Blacks Under 19s you will have:

  • played the best team footy you could
  • developed as a footballer
  • sung the club song many times
  • attended several memorable social events (many free for U19s); and
  • made numerous mates.

THE Season

During season training, our emphasis will be on match simulation. Our game day plan simple, like all Blacks football is win the ball as a team then use it well. Ferocity and flair are encouraged in equal measure.

The Blacks of 2009 will be an exciting place to be. With our onfield momentum, our vibrant social scene and the infectious enthusiasm of all involved, it is a tremendous time to be a part of it.

Please contact the U19 committee president Adrian Goonan (adrian.goonan@warakirri.com.au, 0417 277 157) for further details and to register your interest in joining the mighty Uni Blacks.