Warrnambool to start Club 1861 junior pathway program

The Blues have unveiled Club 1861 – a junior pathway initiative named after their inaugural season.

New chairman Simon Perry, an assistant to Scott Carter during the Blues’ most recent senior premierships, said the program was designed to help develop juniors as people as well as footballers.

Players, from Auskick to under 18s, will be involved in Club 1861.

“Any club wants to develop culture,” Perry said.

“It’s just as much about offield – health and wellbeing.

“Activities we are planning on a monthly basis. We are mapping out a calander of guest speakers, visits and video analysis.

“The senior leadership group will mentor juniors and take training and skill development sessions.”

Melbourne recruit Jordan Lewis, preparing for his first season at the Demons after four flags at Hawthorn, has signed on as Club 1861 ambassador, having started his career at the Reid Oval club.

New Geelong Falcons coach Daniel O’Keefe (football development ambassador) and ex-Geelong Cats midfielder Simon Hogan (health and wellbeing ambassador) have also signed on to help their junior club.

Perry, Ken Radley, James Mahony, Josh Walters and Wally Steere will sit on the program’s committee.

“Ken will lead it from a junior point-of-view,” Radley said. “He works at TAFE and is involved in youth programs, so he brings passion.”