The Tigers Academy will be launching during the 2024 preseason, with the aim to build the No. 1 development program for boys and girls, from Under 15 to Under 19, across the Balwyn region.

​

The appointment of our Head of Junior Development, Vince Dattoli, and the Women’s Football Director, Penny Cula-Reid, is ground-breaking in local junior football. Vince and Penny will have oversight over all training plans within the Tigers Academy and will ensure the Balwyn Tigers football programs are based on building “fundamental football skills” and teaching methods are relevant and engaging to these age groups.  

​

We believe we have appointed the leading elite junior development coaches for both boys and girls in Melbourne. Along with building the program, both Vince and Penny will attend team preseason training sessions and mentor our coaches across the Academy.  

 

All Tigers Academy coaches are AFL accredited non-parent coaches. Many hours will be put towards developing a long line of highly rated junior coaches.

 

The coaches contracted for season 2024 all have strong football and coaching credentials to ensure they are able to implement our “best practice” football program whilst being high level communicators with our young men and women.

 

The Tigers Academy will be using technology, including camera footage and platforms such as “hudl” to review training sessions and games.  Educating our players with different methods will assist in keeping the players engaged and providing opportunities for them to develop their footy skills.

 

The football equipment at Balwyn is of the highest quality, with large quantities of the top of the range footballs, tackling/marking bags, rebounders and agility equipment.

 

Fundamental skill development and player positional education will be fast tracked during the preseason and home and away periods, and we provide further opportunity for players to improve their game.

​

Balwyn Tigers FC have a large number of ex AFL and VFL players on their list who will assist as guest coaches throughout these age groups.  Our experience in utilising these players in the 2023 season was fantastic and we can only see greater benefits in 2024 as the players continue to work with high level pathway footballers from Balwyn as part of the training and education mix for the season.

​

The facilities provided at Balwyn Junior Football Club are first class – playing and training at facilities such as Gordon Barnard Reserve, Balwyn Park and Leigh Park during different phases of the season ensure our players have access to quality surfaces and excellent amenities.