TOPIC:

Thanks Factor
I guess publicly would be what they are expecting from district coaches, info on what they are doing with regards to their own listed players and what's expected if they are permitted to the Waafl

Privately probably individual players get the message with consistency from both levels.

Agree not all stuff to be aired in the public forum.

Could also develop the future stock of coaches though as a positive maybe giving an insight into the WAFL coaching system as well.

Dont know exactly just think as we have all agreed a better level of communication across the board.

PSA footy does have an effect also even at WAFL level, not sure what can be done about this though

What an interesting discussion and many thanks to IG99 for contributing and sharing his discussions/frustrations.

We heard nothing (as in zip - not a single thing) from our local WAFL Club last season - different story since then now that 'someone' has dug their whole ground up!!!

I have said it on here before and I say it again - get your people out to all your local WAAFL Clubs (and your Junior Clubs) regularly.

Talk to people.

Make it known that you are there.

Let these Clubs know that your Club is interested in their Clubs - their kids and Colts players (and some more senior players too, I dare say) are your future.

Just as we have to actively work with our local Junior Clubs (bearing in mind that ALL of us are volunteers), they have to also.

Factor opinion wrote: Thanks IG99 - how do we make sure that every kid who plays the game loves it as much as you? What is it about footy that we love? how do we give players at all levels more of that, especially young players transitioning from youth to colts to senior footy?

Frankly I don't know if there's some 100% way to keep people interested in footy, sometimes guys just end up burnt out and wanting a break. I was in that position and contemplated taking a year off but in the months off, I started missing footy and the competition that comes from it.

I'm fairly intrinsically motivated so just wanting to be part of a team and competing every weekend kept me involved. Other guys are more extrinsic and struggle to motivate themselves to continue to play footy because they placed so much value on getting to a higher level that when that doesn't happen they've lost the source of motivation they had and there's nothing internal that drives them. Nothing that you can do if that's the case other than encouraging guys to bring their mates down to training.

The other thing I think everyone has overlooked is the fact that balancing part time/casual work with study and footy is difficult. I've struggled to find work in the current market as it is let alone the fact that I lose potential shifts because of football. This may be a good opportunity for club sponsors to put out job opportunities through the club when they're in need of employees. This way you've got a business who understands the other commitments these guys have and would be willing to work around that. It's just an idea but it may be worth trying in some situations.

thanks again IG99.
I don't think we are looking at a 100% solution - lifting the percentage by just a few points will make a big difference.
The work issue is important - that's why I think changing the fixturing is something to look at for the colts. Would Friday nights make a difference?
Internal networks to help young guys get jobs - I know plenty of people who got their first job or an apprenticeship through their footy club connections.
Can you give us some insight on the cost of footy debate? How much is too much? I know some clubs have fee free offers for colts - is that attracting players?
Is there a way for clubs to give incentives for colts to get their mates to join up? 2 for 1 memberships or something similar? What are some club administrators doing?
As to motivation - we all wax and wane but what is the most important thing that keeps us going?

The first thing that needs to happen is have colts in the amateurs return to being under 18.
The communication is difficult when the WAFL is under 18's and the Amateurs is under 21's.

I agree we need to listen to our young players much more but on the other hand the whole world can't be built around their needs and wants, Colts players are very important to every club, but no more important than the bloke who has played 200 games for the club.

Like IG99 said everyone plays for different reasons, every young kid should have a dream about playing AFL one day but lets face it less than 1% of them actually end up doing it and its high time some reality was put on the table.
Parents are one of the biggest problems with feeding their children dreams that are not realistic and then blaming everyone else for their child falling short.

I still think everyone is making it to complicated, it really is quite a simple process. You go to training and train, you play on the weekend and you are judged on how you perform. You will make representitive sides if you are good enough, yes the odd player misses out sometimes but the majority of the right players get through. Make no mistake if you are good enough you will get there, blaming pathways, coaches, systems is all well and good but ultimately it is the player that either performs or doesn't.

Was never complicated and no need for it to be now.

very well said, train hard and play hard and see where you end up.