31 DAYS TO GO | The Basin junior president Matt Young spoke to EFL Media ahead of the 2019 season, all thanks to Yarra Valley Water & Choose Tap.
Overall, were you satisfied with what the club achieved, both on and off the field, in 2018?
Matt Young: We were satisfied with our junior program in season 2018, with a record number of teams and players participating thanks to a thriving girls program which enabled us to field teams in all of the competing age groups.
Our club has a focus on player retention and the feedback is most of our players will be back in season 2019 so a big tick to all of our coaches and volunteers.
Ultimate on-field success was had by our under-15 boys and our under-18 girls both winning the premierships in their divisions. Great effort by these sides and their coaches Jamey Beggs (15 boys) and Con Halamoutis (18 girls).
Approximately how many teams do you think you will field in 2019?
MY: We have added the under-8 age bracket for the first time in our club’s history in season 2019.
Given that, I would say approximately 18 sides as we had 17 in season 2018.
What has the feeling been like around the club over the pre-season?
MY: For those sides back training, the feeling has been great .The players and coaches are working with our football program partners to make sure the kids are well prepared for the season ahead.
If you had to pick one, which team do you think is the club’s best chance of winning a premiership this season, and why?
MY: If I had to pick one side I would say our under-12 Girls. They have some great talent transitioning from the under-10 level and will be well-coached by one of our senior women, Teagan Sheldon.
Is there a particular age group of players that you need as soon as possible to fill a team ahead of Round 1?
MY: We are currently looking for under-13 and under-17 boys to get our two sides in each of these age groups up and running. Really keen to talk to anyone looking at playing in these age brackets. We are also looking for more girls players across the board in all of our competing age groups under-10,12,14,16 and 18.
If any players are interested in playing for your club this season, what do they have to do?
MY: If any players are interested in playing for The Basin FC you can call our junior register Lara Ferguson on 0437 336 172 or our girls coordinator Sarah Garbuio on 0422 011 857.