St George Football Association (SGFA) is pleased to confirm the introduction of a formalised Club Engagement Program for 2019, to strengthen opportunities and connections between local Clubs and the SGFA Development Program.

SGFA Chief Executive Officer, Craig Kiely, is looking forward to increased engagement with local clubs.

“We recognise the need to work hard to ensure we have a strong alignment between our local grassroots clubs and the Associations development program pathways”.

“Developing a formalised plan is an important step and will allow local Clubs and their participants the opportunity to be engaged more regularly through its implementation”. Kiely stated.

SGFA’s development program is led by the Associations Technical Director and former Socceroo, Aytek Genc, and includes NPL NSW Mens 2 Club St George City FA.

“We are very fortunate to have one of Australia’s leading football minds overseeing the development program in our area”.

“It is important that our local clubs are provided access to this knowledge and we look forward to offering more of these opportunities as we move forward”. Kiely added.

In addition to Aytek, the Development Program has assembled an incredible coaching roster in 2019, securing the services of former professionals, Ante Moric, Pedro Ricoy, Pablo Cardozo, Adrian Webster, Bobby Dragas, Chadi Karnib, Seraf Kumsuz, Robert Chemali & Jason Cachia.

In 2019, the engagement program will deliver the following programs:

• Coach Education Courses (ALDI Miniroos Grassroots Course, Skills Training, Game Training and Senior Coaching Certificate) – Click here for more details.
• SGFA Technical Director Workshops to be held at Jubilee Stadium – Register here.
• St George City Training Observation Evenings – Register here
• Local Club Visits by Development Program coaching staff – Register here

Part of the program will also see local Clubs encouraged to participate in a St George football community day at Jubilee Stadium as part of the local derby between St George City and St George Saints FC. Local kids and clubs will be offered the chance to be part of the day as player mascots, ball kids and participate in small-sided games at half time.

Click here for the program details.

The SGFA will also re-launch its Academy in mid 2019, with more details about this to follow.