SCONE juniors Logan and Cooper Rumsby can’t wipe the smiles from their faces.
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The siblings were recently selected out of 30 youngsters for a training pathway called The Skill Acquisition Program (SAP), run by Northern Inland Football.
The program provides a clear, professionally delivered development opportunity for young footballers in NSW.
Logan, Under 10s, is in Year 4 while his brother Cooper, Under 9s, is two years below him at St Mary’s Primary School, Scone.
The duo have been regular representatives of the Scone Mustangs Junior Football Club however the SAP selection means they’ll no longer be able to play locally due to dual registration.
However, Scone Junior Football Club’s Heidi Rumsby said it’s great for soccer in the area because the boys will be on hand to coach some of the younger juniors.
“It will be great for them to pass on the skills they have learnt through the program,” she said.
“The SAP is a set curriculum which develops a different skill each week so that if they were to change clubs they’re always up to date with the latest skills and techniques.
“It’s followed by a training session where they perfect the skill.
“They train twice a week and then they play once a month in Coffs Harbour against all the other SAP teams from the Hunter Valley, Mid-North Coast and up to Grafton.”
“Then, every fortnight they play against the local SAP teams in the Northern Inland district including Gunnedah, Inverell, Armidale and Tamworth.”
Rumsby said the program is a talented player pathway and broadens their scope.
“It’s great for the local kids to know that they don’t have to finish up playing soccer and then go and play league,” she said.
“The best thing I’ve found about the program is all the parents are committed and it’s all about exposing the kids to new things.
“The coaches are really strict and on the ball - you’re not to back-chat, have to sit still, make sure your training kit is packed.
"So it teaches them more than game skills.”
Rumsby said the Scone Junior Football Club is currently gearing up for the new season with a decent amount of registrations already coming through.
The club is currently seeking registrations for Hunter District teams for those turning 13 or 14.
The season kicks off on May 5 with registrations closing at the end of the month.
For information regarding registration contact sconefc@huntervalleyfootball.net.au or visit the Scone Football Club Facebook page for the registration link.