Mateship and guiding junior players through the ranks are the focus of the Young AFL Saints new first grade coaches.
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The club kicked off their official training session on Tuesday under the watchful eye of first grade players, Keith Barker and Rence Cummins, who have decided to step up and accept their first coaching role.
But the side won’t be at a loss of numbers on the field as Barker and Cummins have every intention of still strapping on the boots with the side and being alongside their players every step of the way.
“The Young Saints is still a new and young club, and building something new and having something to do is my main motivation,” Barker said.
Barker, 25, brings with him many years of experience on the field having been involved in the sport since he was seven-years-old, playing first grade by the time he was 14.
Cummins, 23, has been playing with the club since it reformed almost seven years ago following a 20-year recess.
He was captain of the first grade side last season and said when Barker stepped up to be coach, he wanted to help.
“A lot of boys look up to Rence – he does a lot for the club and has a big input on what happens on the field too,” Barker said.
Barker and Cummins said their main aim was to form a mateship between players and members of the club as well as raising the profile of the club from juniors up to their seniors.
“It’s something we want everyone to get involved in – for fun – and build that sense of community in the club,” they said.
“We have players willing to run an extra 10 metres for a mate who is injured.”
The men have taken over the reins of two-year coach Keith Harrop who took the reserve side into the first grade competition when they won the 2011 premiership.
Club president Mark Silk said the appointment of the new coaches allowed a new focus in how the coaching was done in the club.
“It allows for different perspectives and experiences,” Silk said.
Barker and Cummins admitted they were both nervous and excited about their new roles but said they had a quiet confidence about it.
“We have a lot of great juniors coming through – and we’re already training some great seniors – it’s great for us to support them,” Cummins said.
“There is a great prospect there to come,” he added.
Silk said there are plenty of big plans in the pipeline for the club, including golf and bowling days to get more people involved.
Sponsor Garry Cummins from the Young Hotel has also jumped on board to give players an incentive this year to train hard by offering the most consistent player and whoever applies themself the most at training a five night holiday on the Gold Coast.
Anyone interested in playing AFL are welcome to join the squad on Tuesdays at 6pm at Young North Public School oval.
From February 5, the club will pick up a second training session on Thursdays at 6pm at the school.
