TonyK
CibbuanoMcConnell appointed to western Sydney role
May 21st 2009 03:05
ALAN McConnell has been appointed as the Western Sydney high performance manager.
McConnell, who has been the AIS/AFL Academy high performance coach for the past five years, said he was looking forward to working with the new club which will join the AFL competition in 2012.
"I am excited about the challenges associated with the development of the new Western Sydney team and am honoured that the AFL has offered me this exciting opportunity," McConnell said.
"Working with the best young AFL talent as AIS/AFL high performance coach has challenged me to refine my own coaching skills to design, manage and deliver an elite AFL program."
"I look really looking forward to using my experience in a new context to create and develop this new young team."
A former assistant coach at Fitzroy and Geelong, McConnell has spent the past five years overseeing the development of the country’s brightest young footballers with the AIS/AFL Academy.
Recent graduates of the academy system under his guidance includes current AFL young guns Joel Selwood, Marc Murphy and Patrick Ryder.
AFL general manager of development David Matthews said McConnell has played a major role in talent development.
"Alan has significantly enhanced our talent and coaching programs in his national role," Matthew said.
"He has been an outstanding mentor to the players and the staff of the AIS/AFL Academy and he is respected throughout the industry both at development and AFL competition levels."
AFL (NSW/ACT) general manager Dale Holmes said McConnell understands both the challenges and opportunities that the market presents.
"That knowledge, coupled with his experience and expertise makes him well placed to develop the structure and strategies required for the talent base for the new club," Holmes said.
"Today's announcement further cements the AFL’s commitment towards Western Sydney and we can now begin to move forward in developing a second AFL club in Sydney."
"The National Under 16's Championships which will launch Blacktown Olympic Park on July 3 is the perfect platform for Alan to begin to identify the best young AFL talent which ultimately may be drafted into the new team."
McConnell, who has been the AIS/AFL Academy high performance coach for the past five years, said he was looking forward to working with the new club which will join the AFL competition in 2012.
"I am excited about the challenges associated with the development of the new Western Sydney team and am honoured that the AFL has offered me this exciting opportunity," McConnell said.
"Working with the best young AFL talent as AIS/AFL high performance coach has challenged me to refine my own coaching skills to design, manage and deliver an elite AFL program."
"I look really looking forward to using my experience in a new context to create and develop this new young team."
A former assistant coach at Fitzroy and Geelong, McConnell has spent the past five years overseeing the development of the country’s brightest young footballers with the AIS/AFL Academy.
Recent graduates of the academy system under his guidance includes current AFL young guns Joel Selwood, Marc Murphy and Patrick Ryder.
AFL general manager of development David Matthews said McConnell has played a major role in talent development.
"Alan has significantly enhanced our talent and coaching programs in his national role," Matthew said.
"He has been an outstanding mentor to the players and the staff of the AIS/AFL Academy and he is respected throughout the industry both at development and AFL competition levels."
AFL (NSW/ACT) general manager Dale Holmes said McConnell understands both the challenges and opportunities that the market presents.
"That knowledge, coupled with his experience and expertise makes him well placed to develop the structure and strategies required for the talent base for the new club," Holmes said.
"Today's announcement further cements the AFL’s commitment towards Western Sydney and we can now begin to move forward in developing a second AFL club in Sydney."
"The National Under 16's Championships which will launch Blacktown Olympic Park on July 3 is the perfect platform for Alan to begin to identify the best young AFL talent which ultimately may be drafted into the new team."
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