20 March 2009
Future first grade players were recognised in the Perth-Bayswater 08/09 Academy Graduation ceremony held at the clubrooms on Thursday 19 March.
The young players are an elite group, a select number drafted into the Academy after an application and interview process. They are given strict guidelines and a gruelling summer program of skills, and those that don't meet the standard on and off the field cannot remain in the program.
"There is a concentration on life skills, discipline and commitment," Academy and First Grade Coach John 'JT' Taylor said, "And the basic skills, run, catch, pass and contact work."
"This would be the best Academy we've had in three years," JT said.
Club management view the Academy as vital to the club's future and onfield performances are benefiting.
"We've had 86 players through the Academy in three years, and quite a few of our academy boys are playing premier rugby now, and one went on tour with the Force," JT said.
"Our Under 18s won their premiership last year. What we're trying to do is get a production line of players who have the right attitude, the right commitment and the right skills by the time they get to first grade, and we don't have to waste time teaching them the basics."
