MELBOURNE’S Academy is set for a revamp in season 2020, as the club joins forces with the South East Juniors to enhance the league’s development programs for talented young players.

From next season onwards, the Melbourne Academy will have programs in place to allow footballers between the ages of 12 and 15 to best develop their skills, providing them with a pathway through the junior ranks.

Academy Manager Kyle Docherty says this new approach – which will see an Under 13s, 14s, and 15s age group for boys, and an Under 15s for girls – will significantly benefit the junior players involved.

“The main reason for an integrated approach is to avoid duplication and provide the best possible experience for talented footballers who play in the South East Juniors,” Docherty told Melbourne Media.

“The Melbourne Academy (the club’s Next Generation Academy) aims to provide development opportunities for talented players aged between 11 and 15, in the South East region of Victoria, as does the South East Juniors Development Program.

“It makes sense to combine these programs and avoid any duplication, pulling together resources to create the best possible experience for the players involved.

“This is only our third year of running talent programs in the South East – previously we have just worked in the Under 15s space – and we now feel we’re in a solid position to branch out into younger age groups.”

This new partnership module is an exciting opportunity for the club, while AFL South East Chief Operating Officer Shaun Connell is also thrilled to continue the relationship with the red and blue.

“AFL South East is pleased to strengthen its connection with the Melbourne Football Club through the integration of the Melbourne Academy into the South East Juniors development program,” Connell told Melbourne Media.

“It’s really important for all players of SEJ to be exposed to an elite development program focussed on developing players of all cultures and abilities.

“The partnership affirms the commitment of the Melbourne Football Club to the development of junior players in the South East Juniors.” 

All squads will commence training in the early months of 2020, and then represent the Melbourne Academy/South East Juniors at the South East Championships – a representative carnival incorporating various leagues in the South East region – on the Queen’s Birthday weekend.

The club would like to congratulate the following players for being selected (Under 13s and 14s squads will be announced early next year):

BOYS 

GIRLS