TOPIC:

Cheers for the link I read the intro and will have a look at the PDF when it get a chance.
Yep definitely going to need clubs to cooperate that's for sure.
A permit system could be per game?
Downside more paper or online work?

What would be your thoughts on bringing the age bracket back down in line with the WAFL?

Or No kids colts age allowed to play in a clubs 3rds side down?

First off, I forgot to mention in response to Dingo that the first big drop off point in participation is between Auskick and Modifieds. I wonder if that is a structure issue - having to cart kids around to different venues each week rather than a single drop off.
I have a few thoughts about the problem.
First, clubs have to have quality and youth appropriate coaches for their Colts sides. The wrong choice here can decimate your list.
Second, the Colts team will need to cater for a number of different types of players. For example, those that want to play with their mates from juniors, those who are on a WAFL colts list but are not playing WAFL regularly and those who are wanting to play competitively with club in their own community.
I think its about giving the colts players choice and giving them the football experience that they want not what old blokes at the clubs tell them that they must have.
I think that that means having greater flexibility around the age of colts (20 and under I think is better than the WAFL age bracket) but also letting them play where they want - I know plenty that are really happy to play thirds (or fourths) and I know plenty that would struggle to play in the 2s. I do think that exploring a permit system is a good idea but there will be plenty who think it risks losing players.

Yep good input mate
Coaching at Colts Level is a key as you pointed out.
Agree with the comments kids play where they are happiest also.
Touted the no thirds etc as a way of keeping the colts comp number s up.
Kids in the lower grades make the step into league pretty quickly in my experience if they are good enough especially our grade.
A lot would cruise in the twos also.
All valid points you have put forward and it's good to have a discussion aimed towards solution.
Enjoying the input

Another area that is important is to create and strengthen the links between the feeder JFCs and the Senior club. Make the natural progression from JFC to Senior club and then make it as easy as possible to continue on that pathway. Why not arrange some joint training sessions with the JFC yr 11 or yr 12 team and your colts team (or get your colts coach to offer to give the JFC coaches a hand every now and then), have a formal arrangement with the JFC to give out some awards - practical stuff like shorts or a training singlet that the kids can use if they join the colts team the next year. Respect the JFC and their place in developing the juniors and let them keep the kids in the JFC for as long as possible.

Factor opinion wrote: Another area that is important is to create and strengthen the links between the feeder JFCs and the Senior club. Make the natural progression from JFC to Senior club and then make it as easy as possible to continue on that pathway. Why not arrange some joint training sessions with the JFC yr 11 or yr 12 team and your colts team (or get your colts coach to offer to give the JFC coaches a hand every now and then), have a formal arrangement with the JFC to give out some awards - practical stuff like shorts or a training singlet that the kids can use if they join the colts team the next year. Respect the JFC and their place in developing the juniors and let them keep the kids in the JFC for as long as possible.

Agree totally

We have just introduced a development officer on our committee dedicated to do all of this stuff

Factor is spot on. Giving them choice is how you retain them. Make it fun and they'll stay. The older blokes at clubs who quote when I was younger you played at the highest level. Whilst that's valid in some cases you don't tell this generation what to do. You might as well hold the door open for them to leave. Don't forget they've gone from the big fish attheir junior club to a whole new world. Clubs need to embrace them....not be so absent minded it's all about the league side. You'll implode eventually...build a culture and theyll stay and success will follow. Colts couch has the most important role at the footy club. And it has nothing to do with win loss ratio. DireCT link to your jfc is vital.

Can we start a new thread on "Increasing Participation in the Colts" so we can check in on what your clubs do and what is working?

Just on the Colts, how many teams are there likely to be in 2017?

Gosnells
Warnbro
High Wycombe
Canning Vale
Lynwood Ferndale?
Ocean Ridge
Bassendean
Swan Valley
Nollamara?

I heard that LF were trying to get a Colts team up - any success? Also, Nollamara didn't field a colts in 2016 - any luck for 2017?

Would hate to see an odd number of teams.

Haven't heard a lot to date.

Gosnells is in.

I understand Lynwood Ferndale , Canning Vale & Warnbro are in.

Be really surprised not to see Ocean Ridge, Swan Valley and High Wycombe.

Not sure about Nollamara or Bassendean.

Basso looked to have been playing with a fulll colts side on the weekend.