North Warrnambool Eagles launches acceleration program for teen footballers

North Warrnambool Eagles will launch an acceleration program on Monday, July 13 aimed at fast-tracking its teenager footballers' development.

Senior coach Adam Dowie said the cancelled senior season meant the club had more time to invest into its next generation.

Dowie, a six-time Hampden league premiership coach, went to the Eagles' committee with the idea.

It was endorsed and will run once a week during term three with plans for further sessions.

"We have invested a lot of time in our leadership group the last 18 months and we have a good group of assistant coaches," he said.

"With our season being cancelled, we just think it's too good an opportunity to let go and to not go into investing into our young players."

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Dowie said the program, which would feature players between the ages of 15 and 18, included strength and conditioning tips, GPS statistics and camera work.

"We've got grounds that aren't being used so hopefully we can get onto the Reid Oval for a couple of sessions, train indoors for a couple of sessions and Toby Pettigrew Physiotherapy is going to come and have a chat to the boys and show them some vision," he said.

The Eagles' leadership group will be part of the program, as well as its Geelong-based players who have committed to help running sessions.

Dowie said being "determined and motivated" were key criteria for being involved.

"If a kid really wants to be in it and they express that desire and interest, then we'll put them in," he said.

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He said there was a target audience.

"Like senior footballers... there's some kids that go 'I just like playing for the social side,'" Dowie said.

North Warrnambool Eagles' under 18.5 players are training twice a week in readiness for their season, which is expected to start in mid-to-late July.

The seniors are training once a week for fitness and social purposes.

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